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AMERICAN 



CHRISTIAN RULERS 



RELIGION AND MEN OF GOVERNMENT 



Comprising Sketches in American History of Men of Christian 
Faith and Experience, who have had connection with the 
National and State Governments and the Judicial Depart- 
ment; embracing Colonial, Revolutionary and Later 
Periods; alphabetically arranged, with Chrono- 
logical Index of Early State Governors. 



compiled by ^^ ■ . . 
REV. EDWARD J. GIDDINGS 




NEW YORK 

BROMFIELD & COMPANY 

658 BROADWAY 



Copyright 1889, 1890 
By BROMFIELD & CO 



GENERAL INDEX. 



ADAMS, SAMUEL, page 

Signer of Declaration of Independence, 1776 . . i 

ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY, ' 

President of United States, 1825-1829 ... 7 

ALDEN, JOHN, 

Governor's Assistant, Massachusetts, 1633 . . .14 

ALLEN, THOMAS, 

Representative in Congress, 1881 .... 16 

AMES, FISHER, 

Representative in Congress, 1789-1797 . . . - 19 

APPLETON, JOHN, 

Member of Governor's Council, Massachusetts, 1698-1723 21 

APPLETON, WILLIAM, 

Representative in Congress, 1850 .... 22 

ARMSTRONG, SAMUEL TURRELL, 

Acting Governor of Massachusetts, 1835 . , 26 

BACON, JOHN, 

Representative in Congress, 1801-1803 ... 29 

BALDWIN, ROGER SHERMAN, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1844-1845 • • • 33 

BANISTER, WILLIAM B. 

Senator in Massachusetts Legislature, 1818-1819 . 35 

BAREFOOT, WALTER, 

Deputy Governor of New Hampshire, 1683-1686 . . 36 

BATES, EDWARD, 

Attorney-General of the United States, 1S61 . . 38 

BELCHER, JONATHAN, 

Governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 1730-1741 40 

iii 



IV GENERAL INDEX. 

BELLINGHAM, RICHARD, page 

Governor of Massachusetts Bay, 1641, 1665-1672 . . 43 

BENTON, THOMAS HART, 

Senator in Congress, 1821-1851 .... 45 

BLACK, JEREMIAH SULLIVAN, 

Attorney-General of the United States, 1857 . . 47 

BOUDINOT, ELIAS, 

Member of Continental Congress, 1777 ... 51 

BOWDOIN, JAMES, 

Governor of Massachusetts, i 785-1 7S6 . . . -53 

BRADFORD, WILLIAM, 

Governor of Plymouth Colony, 1621 • • • 55 

BRADSTREET, SIMON, 

Governor of Massachusetts, 1679 • • • • 5^ 

BRIGGS, GEORGE NIXON, 

Governor of Massachusetts 1844-1851 ... 61 

BROMFIELD, EDWARD, 

Member of the Massachusetts Council, 1703-17 28 . ' • 70 

BROMFIELD, EDWARD, 

Representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1739-1743 72 

BROOKS, ELEAZER, 

Member of Legislature and Council, Massachusetts, 1774- 
1801 ........ 74 

BROOKS, JOHN, 

Governor of Massachusetts, iS 16-1823 . . . -75 

BROOKS, JAMES, 

Representative in Congress, 1849-1853, 1865-1873 . . 77 

BROWN, NICHOLAS, 

Representative in Rhode Island Legislature . . 79 

BUCHANAN, JAMES, 

President of the United States, 1857-1861 . . 81 

BUCKINGHAM, WILLIAM ALFRED, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1858-1865 . . « .89 

BURNET, JACOB, 

Senator in Congress, 1S29-1831 .... 91 

BUTLER, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 

Attorney-General of the United States, 1833-1838 . 94 



GENERAL INDEX. V 

CABOT, GEORGE, page 

Senator in Congress, 1791-1796 .... 97 

CARVER, JOHN, 

Governor of Plymouth Colony, 1620-1621 . . -99 

CHAPMAN, REUBEN ATWATER, 

Chief-Justice of Massachusetts Supreme Court, 1S68-1S73 103 

CHASE, SAMUEL, 

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 . 105 

CHASE, SALMON PORTLAND, 

Chief-Justice of U. S. Supreme Court, 1S64-1873 . . 108 

CHITTENDEN, THOMAS, 

First Governor of Vermont, 1778-1796 . . .113 

CLAPP, ROGER, 

Representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1652-1665 . 116 

CLARKE, JOHN, 

Deputy-Governor of Rhode Island Colony, 1669 . 120 

CLAY, JOSEPH, 

U. S. District Judge for District of Georgia, 1796-1S01 . 123 

CLAY, HENRY, 

Senator in Congress, 1S06, iSog, 1831-1S42, 1849-1852 . 125 

CLAYTON, JOHN MIDDLETON, 

Senator in Congress, 1S29, 1845-1849, 1851 . . . 130 

CLEVELAND, AARON, 

Representative in the Provincial Legislature of Con- 
necticut, 1779 ....... 132 

CODDINGTON, WILLIAM, 

Governor of Rhode Island, 1640-1647, 1674-1675 . . 134 

COLLAMER, JACOB, 

Senator in Congress, 1855-1865 .... 136 

COOLIDGE, CARLOS, 

Governor of Vermont, 1849-1851 ..... 138 
CRADOCK, MATTHEW, 

Governor of the Massachusetts Company, 1628 . . 139 

CRAVEN, CHARLES, 

Governor of Carolina, 1712-1716 . . . .141 

CUDWORTH, JAMES, 

Deputy-Governor of Massachusetts, 1681 . . . 144 

CUTLER, MANASSEH, 

Representative in Congress, 1800-1804 . . . •147 



vi GENERAL INDEX. 

DAGGETT, DAVID, page 

Senator in Congress, 1813-1819 . . . .151 

DALE, THOMAS, 

Deputy-Governor of Virginia, i6ri . . . . 154 

DAVENPORT, ABRAHAM, 

Senator in Connecticut Legislature, 1766-1784 . . 157 

DAVENPORT, JOHN, 

Representative in Congress, 1799-1817 .... 162 

DAWES, THOMAS, 

Representative in Massachusetts General Court, 1777 164 

DAY, JEREMIAH, 

Representative in General Assembly of Connecticut, 
1766-1767 ........ 166 

DAY, THOMAS, 

Connecticut Secretary of State, 1810-1835 . . 168 

DELAWARE, THOMAS, 

First Governor of Virginia, 1610 . . . '. 170 

DODGE, WILLIAM EARLE, 

Representative in Congress, 1866 .... 173 

DUDLEY, THOMAS, 

Governor of Massachusetts, 1634, 1640, 1645, 1650 . . 183 

DUDLEY, JOSEPH, 

Governor of Massachusetts, 1702-1715 . . .185 

DUMMER, WILLIAM, 

Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, 17 16 . .187 

DWIGHT, TIMOTHY, 

Representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1781, 1782 190 

EATON, THEOPHILUS, 

First Governor of New Haven Colony, 1639-1657 . 194 

EDWARDS, TIMOTHY, 

Member of Massachusetts Council, 1775-1780 . . 199 

ELLSWORTH, OLIVER, 

Chief-Justice of the United States, 1796-1801 . . 201 

ENDICOTT, JOHN, 

First Governor of Massachusetts Bay, 1629 . . . 205 

FAIRBANKS, HORACE, 

Governor of Vermont, 1876 . . . . .211 



GENERAL INDEX. vii 

FLETCHER, RICHARD, ..agb: 

Judge of Massachusetts Supreme Court, 1848-1853 . . 213 

FOOT, SOLOMON, 

Senator in Congress, 1851-1866 .... 215 

FOWLER, OR IN, 

Representative in Congress, 1849-1852 . . . .218 

FRELINGHUYSEN, THEODORE, 

Senator in Congress, 1829-1S35 .... 221 

FULLER, SAMUEL, 

Eighth Signer of the Compact, 1620 .... 227 

GALUSHA, JONAS, 

Governor of Vermont, 1809-1813, 1815-1820 . . . 229 

GARDINER, ADDISON, 

Lieutenant-Governor of New York, 1845-1849 . . 231 

GARFIELD, JAMES ABRAM, 

President of the United States, 1881 . . . 233 

GIDDINGS, JOSHUA REED, 

Representative in Congress, 1838-1859 . . , . 241 

GOODRICH, CHARLES, 

Delegate to Provincial Congress, 1774 . , . 247 

GOODRICH, CHAUNCEY, 

Senator in Congress, 1807-1813 ..... 249 

HAMILTON, ALEXANDER, 

First Secretary of the United States Treasury, 1789-1795 251 

HARRISON, WILLIAM HENRY, 

President of the United States, 1841 .... 254 

HAVEN, HENRY PHILEMON, 

Mayor of Norwich, 1852 ..... 258 

HAWLEY, JOSEPH, 

Member of Provincial Congress, 1775 . . . .260 

HAYNES, JOHN, 

Governor of Connecticut Colony, 1639 . . . 263 

HAZARD, EBENEZER, 

Postmaster-General of United States, 1782-1789 . . 266 

HILL, JOHN, 

Representative in Congress, 1867-1873, 1881-1883 . 269 



viii GENERAL INDEX. 

HILL, BENJAMIN HARVEV. page 

Senator in Congress, 1877-1883 ..... 270 

HOLTEN, SAMUEL, 

Representative in Congress, 1778-1787 . . . 272 

HOPKINS, EDWARD, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1640, 1642, 1644, 1646, 1648, 1650, 
1652 ......... 274 

HOPKINS, DANIEL, 

Member of the Provincial Congress, 1775 . . 275 

HUBBARD, SAMUEL, 

Associate Justice Supreme Court Massachusetts, 1842 . 278 

HUNTINGTON, JEDEDIAH, 

Collector United States Revenue, New London, 1789-1S15 281 

HUNTINGTON, JABEZ WILLIAMS, 

Senator in Congress, 1840-1847 .... 283 

HUNTINGTON, SAMUEL, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1786-1796 . . . .285 

JACKSON, ANDREW, 

President of the United States, 1829-1837 . . 287 

JAY, JOHN, 

First Chief-Justice U. S. Supreme Court, 1789-1794 . 292 

JENCKES, JOSEPH, 

Governor of Rhode Island, 1727-1732 . . .299 

JESSUP, WILLIAM, 

Judge of Eleventh Judicial District, Pennsylvania, 1838- 
1851 301 

JOHNSON, EDWARD, 

Representative in ]\Iassachusetts Legislature, 1643-1647, 
1649-167 1 ... ... 303 

KELLOGG, NATHANIEL OLMSTEAD, 

Senator in Connecticut Legislature, 1849 • • • 3°? 

KENDALL, AMOS, 

Postmaster-General of United States, 1835-1840 . 309 

LAWRENCE, AMOS, 

Representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1822 . 311 

LEETE, WILLIAM, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1676 .... 313 



GENERAL hXDEX. ix 



PAGE 



LINCOLN, ABRAHAM, 

President of the United States, 1S61-1865 . . . 315 

LOGAN, JAMES, 

Acting Governor of Pennsylvania, 1736 . . , 323 

MANNING, JAMES, 

Delegate to Continental Congress, 1786 . , . 327 

MARSHALL, JOHN, 

Chief-Justice of the United States, 1801-1835 . . 331 

MAYHEW, THOMAS, 

Governor of Martha's Vineyard .... 334 

McCLELLAN, GEORGE BRINTON, 

Governor of New Jersey 1877-1880 .... 337 

McLEAN, JOHN, 

Justice of U. S. Supreme Court, 1830-1861 . . . 339 

MILLER, SAMUEL, 

Representative in Vermont Legislature, 1797 . . 341 

MORGAN, EDWIN DENNISON, 

Governor of New York, 1S58-1S62 .... 343 

MORTON, NATHANIEL, 

Secretary of Plymouth Colony, 1645-1685 . . 345 

NASH, FREDERIC, 

Judge of Supreme Court of North Carolina, 1844-1858 . 347 

NICHOLSON, FRANCIS, 

Governor of Virginia, 1690-1692 .... 348 

ODELL, MOSES FIELD, 

Representative in Congress, 1861-1865 .... 350 

OGLETHORPE, JAMES EDWARD, 

Founder of Georgia, 1733 . . . . , 351 

OLIVER, DANIEL, 

Member of His Majesty's Council, Massachusetts . . 356 

PARSONS, THEOPHILUS, 

Chief-Justice of Massachusetts, 1806-1813 . . 359 

PENHALLOW, SAMUEL, 

Chief-Justice Superior Court of New Hampshire, 1717-1726 364 
PENN, WILLIAM, 

Founder and Governor of Pennsylvania, 1681 . . 366 



X GENERAL INDEX. 

THILLIPS, SAMUEL, page 

Member of Massachusetts Council .... 372 

PHILLIPS, SAMUEL, 

Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, 1801 . . 374 

PHILLIPS, JOHN, 

Member of New Hampshire Council, 1774 . . . 376 

PHILLIPS, WILLIAM, 

Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts . , . 377 

PHILLIPS, JOHN, 

Representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1S14-1S15 379 

PHIPS, WILLIAM, 

Governor of Massachusetts, 1692 .... 382 

PITKIN, WILLIAM, 

Governor of Connecticut, i 766-1769 . . . 385 

PLUMER, W^ILLIAM, 

Governor of New Hampshire, 1812, 1S16, 1S17, 1818 . 3S7 

PEUNKET, WILLIAM C, 

Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, 1854 . . 391 

POLK, JAMES KNOX, 

President of the United States, 1845-1849 . . . 393 

POTTS, STACY GARDINER, 

Judge of Supreme Court of New Jersey, 1S52-1857 . 396 

PRENCE, THOMAS, 

Governor of Plymouth Colony, 1634, 1638, 1657-1673 . 399 

RAMSAY, DAVID, 

Representative in Congress, 1785 . ... 401 

RANDOLPH, JOHN, 

Senator in Congress, 1825-1827 ..... 403 

REED, WILLIAM, 

Representative in Congress, 1811-1815 . . .407 

REEVE, TAPPING, 

Judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, 1798-1814 409 

ROOT, JESSE, 

Chief-Justice of Connecticut, 1796-1807 . . . 410 

RUMSEY, DAVID, 

Justice of Supreme Court of New York, 1873-1881 . 411 

RUSH, BENJAMIN, 

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 . . 413 



GENERAL INDEX. XI 

RUSH, JACOB, PAGE 

Chief-Justice of Pennsylvania, .... 417 

RUSSELL, THOMAS, 

Member of the Massachusetts Council, 1789-1793 . . 420 

SAFFORD, DANIEL, 

Senator in Massachusetts Legislature, 1845, 1846 . 423 

SALTONSTALL, RICHARD, 

Magistrate for Plymouth Colony, 1630 . . . 428 

SALTONSTALL, GURDON, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1708-1724 . . . 429 

SEWALL, SAMUEL, 

Chief-Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, 17 18- 
1728 . . 432 

SHARSWOOD, GEORGE, 

Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1868 . 436 

SHEPHERD, WILLIAM, 

Representative in Congress, 1797-1803 .... 438 

SHEPLEY, ETHER, 

Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of Maine, 1855 . 439 

SHERMAN, JOHN, 

Magistrate of New Haven Colony . , . . 441 

SHERMAN, ROGER, 

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 . 443 

SLADE, WILLIAM, . 

Governor of Vermont, 1844 ..... 446 

SMITH, JOHN COTTON, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1812-1816 . . . 449 

SMITH, WILLIAM E., 

Governor of Wisconsin, 1877-1879 .... 452 

STEPHENS, ALEXANDER HAMILTON, 

Governor of Georgia, 1883 ..... 454 

STEVENSON, JOHN W., 

Governor of Kentucky, 1868 .... 459 

STOCKTON, RICHARD, 

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 . . 461 

STODDARD, JOHN, 

Member of His Majesty's Council . . . ' . 464 



xii GENERAL INDEX. 

STORY, THOMAS, page 

Member of Governor's Council, Province of Pennsylvania 466 

STRONG, CALEB, 

Governor of Massachusetts, iSoo, 1807, 1812-1816 . 468 

SYMONDS, SAMUEL, 

Deputy-Governor of Massachusetts Colony, 1673-1678 . 470 

TALCOTT, JOSEPH, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1724-1741] . . . . 472 

THOMSON, CHARLES, 

First Secretary of Congress, 1774-1789 . . . 473 

TOWNSEND, PENN, 

Member of His Majesty's Council for the Province of 
the Massachusetts Bay, 1721 . . . . 476 

TREADWELL, JOHN, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1809-1811 .... 478 

TRUMBULL, JONATHAN, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1769-1783 . . . . 483 

VANE, HENRY, 

Governor of Massachusetts, 1636 .... 489 

VAN RENSSELAER, STEPHEN, 

Representative in Congress, 1822-1828 . . . 492 

VAN VECHTEN, ABRAHAM, 

Attorney-General of New York, 1810, 1813-1815 . • 495 

VAN VECHTEN, TEUNIS, 

Mayor of Albany, 1837, 1841 ..... 496 

VARICK, RICHARD, 

Mayor of New York, 1789-1800 ..... 498 

WALWORTH, REUBEN HYDE, 

Chancellor of New York, 1828-1848^ . • . foo 

WASHBURN, WILLIAM BARRETT, 

Governor of Massachusetts, 1872-1873 . . . S°2 

WASHINGTON, GEORGE, 

First President of the United States, 1789-1797 . 504 

WEBSTER, NOAH, 

Representative in Massachusetts Legislature, 1814, 1815, 
1819 517 



GENERAL INDEX. XIU 

WEBSTER, DANIEL, page 

Secretary of State, 1850-18 53 .... 521 

WENTWORTH, JOHN, 

Lieutenant-Governor of New Hampshire, 1717-1729 . 532 

WHEELER, WILLIAM ALMON, 

Vice-President of the United States, 1877-1S81 . 534 

WILLIAMS, ROGER, 

President of Rhode Island Colony, 1654-1657 . . 536 

WILLIAMS, WILLIAM, 

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 . 540 

WILLIAMS, THOMAS SCOTT, 

Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, 
1834-1847 541 

WILLIAMS, CHARLES KILBOURNE, 

Governor uf Vermont, 1850-1852 .... 544 

WILLISTON, SAMUEL, 

Senator in Massachusetts Legislature, 1842-1843 . . 546 

WILSON, HENRY, 

Vice-President ofthe United States, 1873-1877 . 550 

WINSLOW, EDWARD, 

Governor of Plymouth Colony, 1633, 1636, 1644 . . 556 

WINSLOW, JOSIAH, 

Governor of Plymouth Colony, 1673-1680 . . . 559 

WINTHROP, JOHN, 

Governor of Massachusetts Colony, 1637 . . . 562 

WINTHROP, JOHN, Jr., 

Governor of River Connecticut, 1635 ; of Connecticut 
Colony, 1657. . ... , . . 566 

WIRT, WILLIAM, 

Attorney-General of the United States, 1817-1829 . 569 

WITHERSPOON, JOHN, 

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 . 575 

WOLCOTT, ROGER, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1751-1754 .... 581 

WYLLIS, GEORGE, 

Governor of Connecticut, 1642 .... 583 



xiv GENERAL INDEX. 

YEARDLEY, GEORGE, page 

Governor of Virginia, 1619-1621 ..... 584 

ZUBLY, JOHN JOACHIM, 

Delegate to Continental Congress, 1775 . . . 587 



CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF EARLY STATE 
GOVERNORS. 







PAGE 




I6I0. 


Delaware, Thomas... 
Virginia, 


. 170 


1639. 


I6II. 


Dale, Thomas 

Virginia. 


• 154 


1640. 


I6I9. 


Yeardley, George 

Virginia, 


• 584 


1640. 


1620. 


Carver, John 


• 99 


1641. 




Plymouth Colony. 




1621. 


Bradford, William. . . 
Plymouth Colony. 


•• 55 


1642. 


1628. 


Cradock, Matthew 


• 139 


1654. 




The Massachusetts Corr 


pany. 




1629. 


Endicott, John 


. 20 c 


1657. 


Massachusetts Bay. 




1633- 


WiNSLow, Edward 

Plymouth Colony. 


• 556 


1673- ' 


1634. 


Dudley, Thomas 

Massachusetts. 


. 183 


1676. 1 


1634 


Prence, Thomas 

Plymouth Colony. 


• 399 


1679. 1 


1636. 


Vane, Henry 

Massachusetts. 


• 489 


1681. 


1637. 


Winthrop, John 

Massachusetts. 


. 562 


1690. ] 


1639- 


Eaton, Theophilus 

New Haven Colony. 


• 194 


1692. 



PAGE 

Haynes, John 263 

Connecticut. 

Coddington, William.. 134 
Rhode Island Colony. 

Hopkins, Edward 274 

Connecticut. 

Bellingham, Richard... 43 
Massachusetts. 

Wyllys, George 583 

Connecticut. 

Williams, Roger 536 

Rhode Island Colony.' 

Winthrop, John 566 

Connecticut. 

Winslow, Josiah 559 

Plymouth Colony. 

Leete, William 313 

Connecticut. 

Bradstreet, Simon 58 

Massachusetts. 

Penn, William 366 

Pennsylvania. 

Nicholson, Francis 348 

Virginia. 

Phips, William 382 

Massachusetts. 



XVI 



CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF EARLY GOVERNORS. 



PAGE 

1702. Dudley, Joseph 185 

Massachusetts. 

1708. Saltonstall, Gurdon. . ..429 
Connecticut. 

1712. Craven, Charles 141 

Carolina. 

1724. Talcott, Joseph 472 

Connecticut. 

1727. Jenckes, Joseph 299 

Rhode Island. 

1730. Belcher, Jonathan 40 

Massachusetts. 

1733. Oglethorpe, James Ed- 
ward, Georgia. 351 

1736. Logan, James 323 

Pennsylvania. 

1751. WoLCOTT, Roger 581 

Connecticut. 

1766. Pitkin, William 385 

Connecticut. 







PAGE 


1769. 


Trumbull, Jonathan.. 
Connecticut. 


• 483 


1778. 


Chittenden, Thomas.. 
Vermont. 


• "3 


1785- 


Bowdoin, James 


c? 


Massachusetts. 




1786. 


Huntington, Samuel.. 
Connecticut. 


. 285 


1800. 


Strong, Caleb 

Massachusetts. 


. 468 



I8I2. 



I8I6. 



Galusha, Jonas 229 

Vermont. 

Treadwell, John 478 

Connecticut. 

Smith, John Cotton.... 449 
Connecticut. 

Brooks, John 75 

Massachusetts. 



LIST OF CIVIL OFFICERS WHO HAD SERVED 
IN THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. 



Bacon, John, . 
Clarke, John, . 
Clay, Joseph, 
Cleveland, Aaron, 
Cutler, Manasseh, . 
Day, Jeremiah, . 
DwiGHT, Timothy, . 
Fowler, Orin, . 
Garfield, James Abram, 
Hopkins, Daniel, 
Manning, James, 
Mayhew, Thomas, 
Penn, William, 
Root, Jesse, 
Saltonstall, Gurdon, 
Sherman, John, . 
Story, Thomas, 
Williams, Roger, 
Witherspoon, John, 
ZuBLY, John Joachim, . 



PAGE 

29 

120 

123 

132 

147 
166 
190 
218 

233 

275 

327 
334 
366 
410 
429 

441 
466 
536 
575 
587 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



First Prater rx Coxgress. 
Author's Purtrait, 

Adams, Samuel, 
Adams, Johx Quescy, . 
Ames, Fisher, 

Belcher, Joxathax, 

BOLDENOT, ELJAS, 

Briggs, George Nixox, 
Buchaxax, James, . 
BccKixGHAM, William Alfred, 

Chase, Salmon Portxaxt*, 
Clay, Hexry, 
Cutler, JLvxasseh, 

Davenport, ABRAH.\ir, 
Dodge, \Villla.m Earle, . 
DwiGHT, Timothy, 

Ellsworth, Oliver, 

Frelinghuysen, Theodore, 

Garfield, Ja>ies Abr-ol . 

GiDDINGS, JoSHCA ReED, 

HuxnxGTox, Samuel, 

Lincoln, ABRAHAii, 

Oglethorpe, James Edward, 

Penn, Willl»m, 
Phips, Wilxxam, 



Frontispiece. 
Face Preface 

FACE PAGE 

. - I 

7 

• 19 

40 

• 51 
61 

. Si 
S9 

. loS 
125 

• 147 

157 
■ 173 

190 

. 2CI 



241 

285 

351 



^altoxstall, Gurdon, 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIOXS. 



Sherxian, Roger, 
S-NUTH, John Cotton, 
Stephens, Alex.\nder H.vmilton, 
Strong, Caleb, . 

Treadwell, John, . 
Trumbull, Jonathan, . 

Vane, Henry, 

Vakick. Richard, 

Washington, George, 
Webster, Xoah, 
Webster, Daniel, . 
Wilson, Henry, 
Win SLOW, Edward, 
Winthrop, John, 
Winthrop, Jr., John, 
Wirt, William, 
Witherspoon, John, 



XIX 

FACE 

443 
449 
454 
46S 

478 
4S3 

4S9 
49S 

504 
521 

^ >o 

56- 
566 
5^9 
575 



/^ 








PREFACE. 



It has been the design in each sketch to present, so far 
as material was at hand, family genealogy, the civil offices 
sustained, selections from the writings and sayings of the 
subject, Christian character. Other names are deserving of 
mention in these biographies. 

The text between quotation marks has at times been 
condensed. Antique spelling has befen changed. 

Notice is given with each biography of the authorities 
and material making up the sketch. 

Edward J. Giddings. 

HousATONic, Mass., 
February, 1890. 



'I* 




*^ ri^t-rt^ ^yfoi 



a/y-y-i,-!} 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



SAMUEL ADAMS. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1 776.* 

** Henry Adams [early ancestor of Samuel] emigrated from 
England to Massachusetts about 1640, with a family of eight sons, 
and became one of the early settlers in Braintree, where he had a 
grant of forty acres of land." 

Samuel Adams, father of Samuel, and second son of Captain 
John Adams, of Braintree, was born in Boston, May 6, 1687 ; was 
baptized May 12, 1687; married at the age of twenty-four, Mary, 
only daughter of Richard Fifield, of Boston ; at different times 
served the town as Representative in the General Assembly ; was 
deacon in the Old South Church ; and was denominated by the 
son now sketched, " A wise and good man." His wife Mary, 
" early imbued her children with reverence for the Christian vir- 
tues which she practiced." 

Samuel Adams was born in Boston, September 27, 1722; was 
presented in baptism on Sunday, the day of his birth ; died in 
Boston, October 2, 1803. 

An elder sister whose influence was strong in guiding the youth 
of Mr. Adams, is thus described; "She was of a winning and 
amiable disposition, and a strict observer of the requirements of 
religion. A memorandum-book kept partly in 1735-36, and filled 
with texts of sermons in her neat handwriting, is still preserved. 
In the journal occur the names of some twenty clergymen whose 

* •' Life and Public Services of Samuel Adams," by William V. Wells ; 
" New England Historical Register " ; Force's " American Archives." 

I 



2 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

discourses she had attended: among them Doctors Lowell, 
Cooper, Checkley, Byles, Edwards, Prince and Mather." 

Samuel Adams was educated at the Boston Latin School, kept 
for forty years by John Lovell ; and at Harvard College, gradu- 
ating in 1740. 

On taking his Master's degree, in 1743, he made bold to offer 
the theme : " Whether it be lawful to resist the Supreme Magis- 
trate, if the Commonwealth cannot be otherwise preserved ; " tak- 
ing his position in the affirmative. With what energy he pushed 
the principles involved in this inquiry, may be shown by the fol- 
lowing from the pen of John Adams : " Samuel Adams, to my 
certain knowledge, from 1758 to 1775, made it his constant rule to 
watch the rise of every brilliant genius, to seek his acquaintance, 
to court his friendship, to cultivate his natural feelings in favor of 
his native country, to warn him against the hostile designs of 
Great Britain." 

Mr. Adams was nine years a Representative in Massachusetts 
Legislature, beginning 1766; was member of Continental Con- 
gress from 1774 to 1782 ; signed the Declaration of Independence, 
1776; was Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts from 1789 to 
1794; and Governor from 1794 to 1797. 

Of the friendly interest manifested for Mr. Adams, on the occa- 
sion of his first setting out for Congress, the following is told : 

'* About a week before he took his departure, while seated at 
his evening meal, a knock was heard at the door. It proved to 
be a well-known tailor, who politely asked that Mr. Adams should 
allow him to take his measure. The request excited some curi- 
osity in the family, and the ladies were particularly desirous to 
know who had sent him, but he refused to give any explanation, 
and finally the measure was taken, when the tailor bowed and 
took his leave. The family seated themselves again, and were 
speculating upon what this could mean, when they were attracted 
by another knock at the door. This time the most approved 
hatter in Boston introduced himself, and desired to get the 
size of Mr. Adams' head. He had hardly disappeared before 
a shoemaker came, and was followed by one or two others on 
similar errands, each observing a strict silence as to the persons 
whose orders they were obeying. A few days afterward, a large 



SAMUEL ADAMS. 3 

trunk was brought to the house and placed in the front entrance, 
directed to Mr. Samuel Adams. It contained a complete suit of 
clothes, two pairs of shoes of the best style, a set of silver shoe- 
buckles, a set of gold knee-buckles, a set of gold sleeve-buttons, 
an elegant cocked hat, a gold-headed cane, a red cloak, and a 
number of minor articles of wearing apparel." 

Mr. Adams favored the acknowledgment of the Supreme 
Being in the Government's deliberations and councils. In a 
letter to Joseph Warren, dated Boston, September 9, 1774, he 
says : " After settling the mode of voting, which is by giving each 
Colony an equal voice, it was agreed to open the business with 
prayer. As many of our warmest friends are members of the 
Church of England, I thought it prudent, as well on that as some 
other accounts, to move that the service should be performed by 
a clergyman of that denomination. Accordingly the lessons of 
the day were read by the Rev. Dr. Duche', who afterwards 
made a most excellent extemporary prayer, by which he discov- 
ered himself to be a gentleman of sense and piety, and a warm 
advocate for the religious and civil rights of America," (See 
Frontispiece.) 

Slaves were bought and sold in Massachusetts, in the time of 
Samuel Adams. Under the caption : " Just imported from 
Africa," Captain Gwin advertises in the Boston Gazette for July 
13, 1761, "A number of prime young slaves from the Windward 
coast, to be sold on board his ship lying at New Boston." Mr. 
Adams opposed the system. Previous to the controversies with 
the mother country, he consulted and corresponded with Rev. Dr. 
Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, R. I., and the two had resolved upon 
a vigorous warfare, through the press, against the African Slave 
trade, but other matters came to hand, which engrossed the atten- 
tion of Mr. Adams. A female slave, named Surry, was about the 
year 1764, given to Mrs. Adams. On mentioning the gift to her 
husband, he at once remarked : " A slave cannot live in my 
house. If she comes, she must be free." She received her 
freedom on going into his family, where she lived many years, 
and where she died in the midst of kind ministrations both to her 
body and soul. 

The following are selections and -quotations from the writings 
and speeches of Samuel Adams : 



4 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" Is it not high time for the people of this country explicitly to 
declare whether they will be freemen or slaves ? . . . The salva- 
tion of our souls is interested in the event ; for wherever tyranny 
is established, immorality of every kind comes in like a tor- 
rent. . , . Let it be the topic of conversation in every social 
club. Let every town assemble. Let associations and combina- 
tions be everywhere set up to consult and recover our first 
rights." 

A convention of Quakers, representing New Jersey and 
Pennsylvania, assembled at Philadelphia, January 20, 1776, and 
issued a paper directed "To the People in General." Mr. Adams 
gave a reply directing as did the Quakers, " To the People in 
General," and signing himself, " A Religious Politician." In his 
reply he says : " He who sets up and pulls down, confines or 
extends empires at his pleasure, generally, if not always, carries on 
his great work with instruments apparently unfit for the great 
purpose, but which in his hands are always effectual. . . . God 
does the work, but not without instruments, and they who are 
employed are denominated his servants ; no king, nor kingdom 
was ever destroyed by a miracle which effectually excluded the 
agency of second causes. . . . We may affect humility in refus- 
ing to be made the instruments of Divine vengeance, but the good 
servant will execute the will of his master. Samuel will slay 
Agag; Moses, Aaron, and Hur, will pray in the mountain, and 
Joshua will defeat the Canaanites." 

To the British Commissioners, Mr. Adams writes : " We again 
make our solemn appeal to the God of Heaven to decide between 
you and us. And we pray that in the doubtful scale of battle, we 
may be successful, as we have justice on our side, and that the 
merciful Saviour of the world may forgive our oppressors." 

To Elbridge Gerry, he writes November 27, 1780 : " If men of 
wisdom, moderation, and temperance, of zeal for the honor of the 
Supreme Being, and the welfare of the Commonwealth, are 
chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our 
affairs will rest on a firm foundation." 

On receiving intelligence of the round of balls and entertain- 
ments given in Boston, on the inauguration of the new govern- 
ment, to John Scollay, December 30, 1780, he writes: "Why 



SAMUEL ADAMS. 5 

should this new era be introduced with entertainments expensive, 
and tending to dissipate the minds of the people ? Will vanity 
and levity ever be the stability of government, either in states, or 
in cities, or, what let me hint to you is of the last importance, in 
families ? How fruitless is it to recommend ' the adapting the 
laws in the most perfect manner possible to the suppression of 
idleness, dissipation and extravagance,' if such recommendations 
are counteracted by the example of men of religious influence and 

public station ? I wish Mr. would recollect his former ideas. 

When his friend Whitefield thundered in the pulpit, he disclaimed 
diversions, in some instances, which to me, have always appeared 
innocent. Do certain amusements tend to quench the spirit of 
religion at one time, and are they harmless at another ? " 

To Thomas Paine, he writes : " Do you think that your pen, or 
the pen of any other man, can unchristianize the mass of our 
citizens, or have you hopes of converting a few of them to assist 
you in so bad a cause ? " 

To R. H. Lee, he writes : " I thank God that I have lived to 
see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her 
independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue." 

In an oration delivered at the State House, Philadelphia, he 
says : " If it was ever granted to mortals to trace the designs of 
Providence, and interpret its manifestations in favor of their 
cause, we may, with humility of soul cry out, * Not unto us, not 
unto us, but to Thy name be the praise.' " 

"Among the most intimate of his father's acquaintances, was 
the Rev. Samuel Checkley, whose position at the New South 
Church had been procured by the influence of the elder Adams, 
and by whom the son had been baptized. In his visits to his 
reverend friend, he formed an attachment for his daughter, 
Elizabeth, and they were married at her father's house October 
17, 1749. She was then twenty-four years of age, and as her 
daughter testifies, was a rare example of piety, blended with a retir- 
ing demeanor. Her death occurred July 25, 1757, and Mr. 
Adams on that day wrote in the family Bible : ' To her husband, 
she was as sincere a friend as she was a faithful wife. She ran 
her Christian race with remarkable steadiness, and finished in 
triumph. She left two small children ; God grant they may 



6 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

inherit her graces.' " For his second wife he married, December 
6, 1764, Elizabeth Wells, daughter of an English merchant, who 
came from London in 1723, and settled in Boston. This lady 
possessed a cultivated intellect and an amiable disposition. She 
knew how to work with her own hands. Her husband's patriotic 
efforts she nobly seconded. Grace was always said by Mr. 
Adams, and the little circle each night listened to the Divine 
Word, as read by some member of the family. The Adams 
family Bible became the property of the editor of the "New Eng- 
land Historical Register." 

Says Grahame, the historian : " Samuel Adams was one of the 
most perfect models of disinterested patriotism that any age or 
country has ever produced. A devout Puritan in religion ; pure 
in his morals ; simple and unambitious in his tastes ; endowed 
with a strong understanding ; a capacity of patient application ; 
a calm and determined courage ; — he rendered his virtues more 
efficacious by the instrumentality of great powers of eloquence." 

Says Edward Everett : " His family at times suffered almost 
for the comforts of life, when he might have sold his influence over 
the councils of America for uncounted gold, when he might have 
emptied the royal treasury, if he would have betrayed his coun- 
try." 

A picture of Mr. Adams by Copley, painted for Governor Han- 
cock, is now in Faneuil Hall, Boston. 




3. SL. Jd 



cxy)^r\j^ 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1825-1829.* 

John Adams, grandfather of John Quincy, was a deacon of the 
church, and selectman, a farmer of limited means, to which he 
added the business of shoemaking. His brother Joseph was 
educated at Harvard College, and for upwards of sixty years was 
minister of a Congregational Church at Newington, N. H. 

John Adams, son of John, and father of John Quincy, was 
born at Braintree, Mass. ; graduated at Harvard University ; 
established himself in law at Quincy ; became President of the 
United States on the retirement of Washington, 1797 ; and having 
served his term, retired to his farm and to agricultural pursuits at 
Quincy. The following is an anecdote which he loved to tell : 
" When I was a boy, the study of Latin was dull and irksome. 
Going to my father one day, I told him I did not like study, and 
asked for some other employment. 'Well, John,' said he, *if 
Latin grammar does not suit, you may try ditching. My meadow 
yonder needs a ditch.' To the meadow I went, but soon found 
ditching harder than Latin. The first forenoon was the longest I 
ever experienced, and I was glad when night came. I worked 
the next forenoon, and wanted to return to Latin at dinner. At 
night, toil conquered pride, and I told my father, if he chose, I 
would go back to Latin grammar. He was glad of it ; and if I 
have gained any distinction, it has been owing to the two days' 
labor in that abominable ditch." On assuming the duties of the 
Presidency, he was supported by the prayers of his companion 
and wife. She writes to him : " You have this day to declare 

* " Life of John Quincy Adams," by W. H. Seward ; John Q. Adams in 
" American Statesmen Series," by John T. Morse ; Boston Recorder, 1848. 

7 



8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

yourself head of a nation. . . . My feelings are not those of pride 
and ostentation upon the occasion. They are solemnized by a 
sense of the obligations, the important trusts, the numerous duties 
connected with it. That you may be enabled to discharge them 
with honor to yourself, with justice and impartiality to your coun- 
try and with satisfaction to this great people, shall be the daily 
prayer of your A. A." His wife was a prudent manager, and he 
saved from his profession and salaries, investing in the farming 
lands about him. 

John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, now Quincy, Mass., 
July n, 1767; died in the Speaker's room at Washington, while 
serving the term as Representative, February 23, 1848. His last 
words were : "This is the last of earth. I am content." 

In his boyhood, he saw Charlestown in flames at the Battle of 
Bunker Hill ; he witnessed the inmates in his father's kitchen 
melting their dishes and plates into bullets ; he heard the Decla- 
ration of Independence, as first read by Sheriff Henderson from 
the balustrade of the Old State House, Boston. In after years, 
when complimented on a certain occasion for the patriotic ardor, 
which through life he had evinced, he narrated the above, and 
exclaimed : " Who that witnessed such scenes could be other than 
a Patriot ? " 

Mr. Adams was graduated at Harvard University in 1787 ; 
studied law with Theophilus Parsons in Newburyport, and settled 
in Boston. 

In May, 1794, he was appointed by Washington Minister to 
Holland ; under his father's administration he was appointed Min- 
ister to Berlin, arriving in that city in the autumn of 1797 ; in 
March, 1809, was appointed Minister to Russia, and the summer 
following sailed for St. Petersburg; in September, 1817, he took 
up his residence at Washington, and entered upon the duties of 
Secretary of State under Mr. Monroe. 

On the 4th of March, 1825, he was inaugurated President of 
the United States, twenty-eight years having elapsed since his 
father took upon himself a like responsibility. He wore a suit of 
plain black, " made entirely of American manufactures." In a 
firm tone of voice, he read his inaugural address, which closed 
with these words : " Knowing that ' except the Lord keep the city, 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 9 

the watchman waketh but in vain,' with fervent supplications for 
His favor, to His overruling providence I commit, with humble, 
but fearless confidence, my own fate, and the future destinies of 
my country." 

Having served his term in the Presidency, in September, 1830, 
his name was brought forward as candidate for Representative in 
Congress. To a gentleman who conversed with him upon the 
subject of taking this position after the Presidency, he replied : 
"Not in my opinion would an ex-President of the United States be 
degraded by serving as selectinan of his town, if elevated thereto 
by the people." Chosen to Congress from the Plymouth district 
by a large vote, he entered upon his duties as Representative in 
December, 183 1. It was the first time an ex-President had ever 
entered that hall as a member, and he was received with the 
highest marks of respect. 

During his season of service as Representative, petitions were 
sent to Congress from the North and East, praying for the 
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. It seemed to 
devolve upon Mr, Adams to present these petitions, and he there- 
by became unpopular with Southern men. On one occasion he 
presented a petition against the annexation of Texas as a theatre 
for slavery, signed by several women. Mr. Howard, of Maryland, 
rebuked those women, for turning from their domestic duties to 
the conflicts of political life. " Are women," exclaimed Mr. 
Adams, " to have no opinions or actions on subjects relating to 
the general welfare ? Where did the genlleYnan get this princi- 
ple ? Did he find it in sacred history, — in the language of Miriam 
the prophetess, in one of the noblest and most sublime songs of 
triumph that ever met the human eye or ear? Did the gentleman 
never hear of Deborah, to whom the children of Israel came up 
for judgment ? Has he forgotten the deed of Jael, who slew the 
dreaded enemy of her country ? Has he forgotten Esther, who by 
her petition saved her people and her country ? " 

Of the religious character and habits of Mr, Adams, Rev. Mat- 
thew Hale Smith has written : 

" In the winter of 1845 and '46, I was invited to supply the pul- 
pit of the Second Presbyterian Church in Washington City, for a 
few months. Mr. Adams had been a member of this congregation 



lO AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

for nearly a quarter of a century. He was an all day hearer. 
The great snow-storm of February, 1846, which closed nearly all 
the churches in the country, did not keep Mr. Adams from the 
house of God. He was one of thirteen persons present, return- 
ing home through the deep snow on foot, at the close of 
service. 

" That he was a Calvinist, I do not believe. That his religious 
opinion coincided more fully with the system called Calvinism than 
any other, I have the best reasons for believing. Had the ancient 
church in Quincy taken the other side in the controversy that, 
some years ago, agitated New England, Mr. Adams, I doubt not, 
would have been without any change of theological opinion, an 
open member of the Orthodox Church, His connection with the 
church at Quincy, Unitarian, resulted from the fact that it was 
the ancient church of his fathers." 

When it was feared that infidelity was increasing in New Eng- 
land, he prepared a lecture on Truth, which he delivered in many 
places. The ground assumed was this : " A man to be a Christian 
must believe in God, in the Bible, in the Divinity of the Saviour's 
mission, and in a future state of rewards and punishments." 

Mr. Adams wrote a series of letters to his son on " The Bible 
and its Teachings," communicated to the New York Tribune, 
afterwards published in book form, the first of which was dated 
St. Petersburg, September, 181 1. 

In this first letter he writes : " I have myself for many years 
made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year. I 
have always endeavored to read it with the same spirit and tem- 
per of mind which I now recommend to you ; that is, with the in- 
tention and desire that it may contribute to my advancement in 
wisdom and virtue. My desire is indeed very imperfectly suc- 
cessful ; for like you, and like the Apostle Paul, I find a law in 
my members, warring against the law of my mind. But as I know 
that it is my nature to be imperfect, so I know that it is my duty 
to aim at perfection ; and feeling and deploring my own frailties, 
I can only pray Almighty God for the aid of his Spirit to strengthen 
my good desires, and to subdue my propensities to evil ; for it is 
from Him that every good and perfect gift descends. My custom 
is, to read four or five chapters every morning, immediately after 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 1 1 

rising from my bed. It employs about an hour of my time, 
and seems to me the most suitable manner of beginning the 
day." 

In the ninth and last letter he says : " I recommend to you to set 
apart a small portion of every day to read one or more chapters in 
the Bible, and always read it with reference to some particular 
train of observation or reflection. . . . And may the merciful 
Creator, who gave the Scriptures for our instruction, bless your 
study of them, and make them to you fruitful of good works." 

In the year 1841, the Amistad Africans, thirty in number, em- 
barked at New York, for Sierra Leone, on board the barque 
Gentleman, Captain Morris, accompanied by Rev. Mr. Steele, Rev. 
Mr. Raymond, and Mrs. Raymond, missionaries ; and Mr. and 
Mrs. Wilson, teachers. At the farewell meeting of the missionaries 
and Africans, on the evening before departure, in the city of New 
York, the following correspondence was read : 

To the Honorable John Quincy Adams. 

" Most Respected Sir : — The Mendi people give you thanks for all your kind- 
ness to them. They will never forget your defence of their rights before the 
great court at Washington. They feel that they owe to you in a large meas- 
ure, their deliverance from the Spaniard, and from slavery or death. They 
will pray for you as long as they live, Mr. Adams. May God bless and re- 
ward you. 

"We are about to go home to Africa. We go to Sierra Leone first, and then 
we reach Mendi very quick. When we get to Mendi we will tell the people of 
your great kindness. Good missionary go with us. We shall take the Bible with 
us. It has been a precious book in prison, and we love to read it now we are 
free! Mr. Adams, we want to make you a present of a beautiful Bible ! Will 
you please accept it, and when you look at it, or read it, remember your poor 
and grateful clients ? We read in this Holy Book, * If it had not been the 
Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they had swal- 
lowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us.' Blessed be the 
Lord, who hath not given us up a prey to the'ir teeth. Our soul is escaped as 
a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we are escaped. 
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.' 

" For the Mendi people," 

"Cinque, 

" KiNNA, 

« Ka-le." 
Boston, November 6, 1841. 



12 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

"To the Mendian Africans, Cinque, Kinna, Ka-le, and thirty-two others 
about to return to their native land. 

" Boston, November i8, 1841, 
*^ Aly Friends: — I have received the elegant Bible, which you have presented 
to me through your true and faithful friend, Mr. Lewis Tappan. I accept it, 
and shall keep it as a kind remembrance from you to the end of my life. . . 
May the Almighty Power who has preserved and sustained you hitherto, still 
go with you, and turn to your good and to that of your country all that you 
have suffered, and all that may hereafter befall you. 

" From your friend, 

"John Quincy Adams." 

When Mr. Adams was Minister to the Court of Holland, he 
joined a society of learned men who met once a week for mutual 
improvement. On one occasion the meeting was adjourned to 
Sunday evening. Mr. Adams was not there. It was appointed on 
the next Sunday evening, and still another Sunday evening, and 
Mr. Adams' chair continued vacant. Many were surprised that he, 
who was formerly so prompt and punctual, should thus suddenly 
break off. At last the meetings were returned to a week-day 
evening, and Mr. Adams was in his place. . . . "You met on the 
Lord's day," said he ; " that is a day devoted to religious purposes 
by me." 

At the National Sabbath Convention which assembled at Balti- 
more, November 27, 1844, Mr. Adams was chosen President, and 
the appreciation of the meeting found expression in the following : 
" Resolved ; That the assistance which the venerable John Quincy 
Adams has rendered to the object of this convention in the able 
and kind rnanner in which he has presided over our deliberations ; 
in the testimony he has borne to the importance of the Sabbath ; 
to the social, civil, and religious interests of our country, deserves 
and receives our grateful acknowledgments." 

Mr. Adams was regular in his habits and retained bodily and 
mental vigor to an advanced age. In the warm season he arose 
early and bathed in the waters of the Potomac ; in winter, long 
before day, he kindled his own fire and began his work. At the 
age of seventy-four he fulfilled on one occasion the following line 
of appointments. Leaving Boston for Washington on Monday 
morning, he lectured in the evening before the Young Men's 
Institute, Hartford ; the next evening before a similar institute in 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 1 3 

New Haven ; on Wednesday evening before the New York 
Lyceum, in the Broadway Tabernacle ; on Thursday evening he 
delivered an address before an association in Brooklyn ; and on 
Friday evening he delivered a second lecture before the New York 
Lyceum. 

He did depart from regular hours and the best influences to 
health when he gave a ball in honor of General Jackson on the 
anniversary of the victory of New Orleans, January 8, 1824. 
" Eight large rooms were open and literally filled to overflowing. 
There must have been at least a thousand people there ; and so 
far as Mr. Adams was concerned it certainly evinced a great deal 
of taste, elegance, and good sense. Many stayed till twelve and 
one. It is the universal opinion that nothing has ever equalled 
this party here either in brilliancy of preparation or elegance of 
the company." 

He was styled "the old man eloquent." Yet he had neither 
grace of manner, nor a fine presence, nor even pleasing tones. 
He owed his influence to the fact that what he said was worth 
hearing. Listeners were sure to get a bold and an honest utter- 
ance, and he never spoke to an inattentive audience. 

Mr. Adams was married at London, June 26, 1797, to Louisa 
Catherine, daughter of Joshua Johnson, of Maryland, who went 
from America to London, where he became eminent as a mer- 
chant. Charles Francis Adams was the only child that survived 
him. He edited his father's Memoirs, comprising portions of his 
diary from 1795 to 1848. 



JOHN ALDEN. 

governor's assistant, MASSACHUSETTS, 1 633.* 

John Alden was born in England in 1597, died at Duxbury, 
Mass., 1687. 

Belonging to the Leyden company, he came to America in the 
Mayflower, and was the seventh signer of the compact on board 
his vessel in the harbor of Cape Cod. 

He resided in Plymouth for the first seven years after his 
arrival ; removed to Duxbury and took up 169 acres of land. 

Elected an Assistant early as 1633, he continued in that office 
with but little interruption, for a period of forty years. He also 
serv^ed as Treasurer of the Colony. 

" He possessed much native talent, was ardent, resolute and 
persevering, indifferent to danger, stern and unyielding, of exem- 
plary piety, an iron-nerved Puritan, who could hew down forests 
and live on crumbs." 

He married Priscilla, daughter of William Mullins, and the 
following is told of his early acquaintance with the lady. 

Miles Standish, after the decease of his wife, thought it good to 
seek the acquaintance of Miss Mullins, and John Alden was sent 
as messenger to confer with the father. " The old gentleman did 
not object, said it was agreeable to him, but the young lady must 
also be consulted. She was called into the room and Mr. Alden 
delivered his errand. Miss Mullins Hstened, and after a pause 
said, ' Prithee, John, why do you not speak for yourself ? ' He 
blushed and took his leave. The visit was renewed, and in due 
time the marriage was celebrated." 

* Thacher's "History of Plymouth " ; Bradford's " New England Biography " ; 
Allen's " Biographical Dictionary." 

14 



JOHN ALDEN. 15 

They had four sons, John, David, Joseph and Jonathan, all of 
them long-lived men. A great-grandson named John Alden, died 
at MiddleboroLigh, Mass., in 182 1, aged 102. 



THOMAS ALLEN. 



* 



REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, l850. 

Samuel Allen, early ancestor of Thomas, came to Northamp- 
ton, Mass., in 1557. A public meeting of the settlers assigned 
him a home lot on King Street. The house soon reared 
upon it, having received additions and improvements, stands on 
the left hand corner of Edwards Street. He married the daughter 
of his next neighbor Hannah Woodford, by whom he had ten 
children. 

Samuel, son of the preceding, settled on the homestead ; at the 
age of fifty was appointed deacon of the church of which 
Jonathan Edwards was pastor. 

Joseph Allen, son of the preceding and great-grandfather of 
Thomas, next occupied the homestead, married in 1733 Elizabeth 
Parsons, by whom he had fourteen children. The husband and 
wife were both eminent for piety and were the steady friends 
of Mr. Edwards during the popular commotion which caused his 
removal from Northampton. 

Thomas Allen, grandfather of Thomas, was born in 1743, grad- 
uated at Harvard College in 1762, taking high rank as a classical 
scholar, studied Theology with Rev. John Hooker, of Northamp- 
ton, and was ordained April 18, 1764, the first minister (Congre- 
gational) of Pittsfield, continuing his pastorate forty-six years. 
During the War of the Revolution, a company was raised in his 
parish, in anticipation of the conflict at Bennington, and left for 
the place of action. Being delayed on their way, Mr. Allen 
started out, quickened their march, and soon presented them to 

* Clark's "Northampton Antiquities," "Allen's Biographical Dictionary," 
" Berkshire County Eagle^'' " Berkshire Jubilee." 

16 



THOMAS ALLEN. 1/ 

General Stark. Going near to the enemy, he exhorted them to 
submit, and was answered by musketry which lodged their con- 
tents in the log on which he stood. " Give me a gun," said he, 
and he continued to bear his part till the battle was decided in 
favor of the American arms. 

Jonathan, son of Rev. Thomas Allen, was a Senator in the 
Massachusetts Legislature, and promoted the interests of agricul- 
ture, by introducing into Berkshire a flock of Spanish Merino 
sheep, which he crossed the ocean to obtain. He was twice 
married, and had eight children. 

Thomas Allen, son of the preceding, was born in Pittsfield, 
August 29, 18 13, died at Washington, April 8, 1882. 

He graduated at Union College under Dr. Nott in 1832, began 
legal studies at Albany, and continued them with a lawyer in 
New York, after a time receiving a clerkship yielding $300 
salary, and was admitted to the bar in 1835. He edited for 
awhile the " Family Magazine," and subsequently started in 
Washington a paper called The Madisonian. In 1842 he 
removed to St. Louis, Mo. Here he became largely interested 
in the projecting and building of new lines of railroad. 

He was a member of the Missouri Senate from 1850 to 1854, 
and in 1880 was elected to the Forty-seventh Congress. 

At the time of his election to Congress, he was president of the 
St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway; but soon after 
sold his railway interests and devoted his leisure to farming. 

In the appendix of " Berkshire Jubilee " is given " A Recol- 
lection of the Stockbridge Indians," by " Thomas AJlen, Esq., of 
St. Louis." He writes : " Mr. Sergeant translated the whole 
of the New Testament, except the book of Revelation, into the 
Indian language. He baptized one hundred and twenty-nine 
Indians, and contributed to the conversion of fifty or sixty to 
Christianity; and forty-two were communicants with the church 
when he closed his labors by death in 1749. Jonathan Edwards 
became the teacher of the Indians in 1751, was followed by 
Dr. Stephen West, in 1759, who was at that time chaplain at Fort 
Massachusetts, in Adams. Dr. West and President Edwards 
addressed the Indians through an interpreter. Dr. West relin- 
quished the labor of instruction in 1775, to Mr, John Sergeant, 



1 8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

son of the first missionary, who, as did his father, taught the 
Indians in their native tongue. 

" Many of the Indian youth received a good common school ed- 
ucation from the missionary teachers, and one of them was gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1780. As a tribe they were peace- 
able and intelligent, capable of transacting ordinary business, and 
of discharging the duties of town officers. They were friendly to 
the white race, and an act of hostility committed by them against 
the white population cannot be found. They took part with the 
English in the two French wars of 1744 and 1754. Some of them 
served as Massachusetts soldiers, and in 1775, one of the chiefs 
formally tendered his services in the Revolutionary War, in a 
speech made to the Massachusetts Congress." 

Mr. Allen endowed a chair in Washington University, St. Louis, 
at an expense of about $40,000, and in 1847 presented the town 
of Pittsfield with a free library. 

In 1858, he built a dwelling in Pittsfield of the Great Barring- 
ton blue stone, for his summer residence. 

Union College conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. in 

1874. 

Said Mr. Allen to his pastor, " I know not how it is with other 
men, but I have been a man of prayer all my life ; I have always, 
before an important decision, asked the guidance of God." The 
opinion of the Trustees of the Atheneum, Pittsfield, concerning 
Mr. Allen was this : " He proved himself in all respects a worthy 
descendant of the first minister of Pittsfield." 

He married Annie C, daughter of William C. Russell, of St. 
Louis. 



FISHER AMES. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1789-1797.* 

Nathaniel Ames, of Dedham, Mass., was a physician and 
the son of a physician. *' He possessed a cheerful and ami- 
able temper, and to his skill in his profession, added a know- 
ledge of natural philosophy, astronomy and mathematics," He 
married the daughter of Jeremiah Fisher, a farmer in high esteem. 
Four sons and one daughter survived him. 

Fisher Ames, youngest child of INTathaniel, was born In Dedham, 
April 9, 1758 ; died there July 4, 1808. 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1774, studied law in the 
office of William Tudor, of Boston, and commenced practice at 
Dedham in the autumn of 1781. 

He served in the State Legislature, and was Representative in 
Congress from 1789 to 1797. Leaving Congress, he practiced for 
a time his profession, and then gave his attention to farming. 

The orations, essays and letters of Mr, Ames, are of the high- 
est excellence in their several departments. As a speaker, his 
attitude was erect, his gestures were forcible ; his articulation was 
distinct. Says Timothy Dwight : " After his speech on the neces- 
sity of making appropriations for carrying into effect the treaty 
■ with Great Britain, delivered April 28, 1776, one of his antagonists 
objected to taking the vote which was to decide the question at 
that time, because of the impression made by the fervor of his 
eloquence." 

Mr. Ames often declared his persuasion of the Divinity of 
Christ. 



* " Memoir," by J. T. Kirkland, 1809 ; " N. A. Cyclopjedia " ; " Dwight's 
Travels " ; Boston Recorder ; " Panoplist," 1S09. 

19 



20 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

He remarked to a friend that he once read the Evangelists with 
the sole purpose of learning what the Saviour had said of him- 
self. 

He made a public profession of religion in the first Congrega- 
tional Church in Dedham, and with this church he regularly com- 
muned. His life was irreproachable, }'et he held humble views of 
himself. He was often observed to shed tears while speaking of 
his closet devotions and experiences. 

He recommended the teaching of the Assembly's Catechism, 
because it was " a good thing on the whole ; it had become vener- 
able by age, our pious ancestors taught it to their children with 
happy effect, and he was unwilling to leave an experienced path 
for one new and uncertain." 

He was an admirer of the common translation of the Bible. 
He acknowledged that ^ few phrases had become obsolete, and 
that a few passages might be obscurely translated, yet he should 
consider the adoption of any new translation as an evil. He 
lamented the disuse of the Bible in our schools. He thought it 
important that children should be early made acquainted with its 
contents. Besides its happy effects in impressing good sentiments 
on their susceptible minds, he considered it an instrument of 
acquainting them with their own language in its purity. 

Mr. Ames was married July 15, 1792, to Frances, third daughter 
of John Worthington, of Springfield, Seven children, six of whom 
were sons, survived him. 

The Works of Fisher Ames were published in 1809, one vol- 
ume ; an edition in two volumes, edited by his son, Seth Ames, 
appeared in 1854. 



JOHN APPLETON. 

MEMBER OF GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL, MASSACHUSETTS, 1698-1723.* 

John Appleton, of Ipswich, Mass, was born in 1652, died Sep- 
tember II, 1739. 

He was Representative in the Massachusetts Legislature in 
1697, and from the year 1698 to 1723 inclusive, was a member of 
the Governor's Council. He was member of the committee to 
report measures for breaking up the intrigues of Jesuit Mission- 
aries among the Indians. In military affairs, he was Colonel of a 
regiment. 

" He had an early sense, not only of his Lord's Authority, but 
Excellency, Beauty and Amiableness. He always entertained 
the highest regard and veneration for his Lord's Day and institu- 
tions, and attended them with a constancy, reverence and affection 
hardly to be paralleled. And his private devotions were as pecul- 
iar. And he was as just towards Mcn^ as devout towards God." 

He married November 23, 1631, Elizabeth, daughter of John 
Rogers, President of Harvard College. Their children were, 
Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Jabez Fitch ; Margaret, wife of President 
Holyoke ; Priscilla, first wife of Robert Ward, of Wenham ; 
Nathaniel, Minister of Cambridge ; and Daniel. 

* Felt's " History of Ipswich," 1834 ; " Discourse," by Rev. Nathaniel 
Rogers. 



WILLIAM APPLETON. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1851-1854, 1861.* 

Joseph Appleton, father of William, was born in Ipswich in 
1751 ; graduated at Brown University in 1772 ; was ordained 
minister of the Second Church in Bfookfield, now the First Con- 
gregational Church in North Brookfield, in 1776; and died in 
July, 1795. " He was a man of respectable abilities, approved 
scholarship, and exemplary Christian character." His mother 
was Mary, daughter of Jacob Hook, a farmer of Kingston, N. H. 
At the death of her husband, she removed to her native place 
with five young children, — two sons and three daughters, and 
occupied a farm which she had inherited from her father. In 
1798 she was married to Maj. Daniel Gould, of Lyndeborough, 
N. H. ; and, with her children, took up her abode in that town. 
She had a strong mind, sound judgment, and an unusual capac- 
ity for business. In a brief notice of her, written on the day of 
her death, her son says : " From the time my father died, she was 
very particular in giving her children religious instruction, and 
often prayed with them in her chamber. I have lost in her, not 
only the faithful guardian of my infancy, but the discreet monitor 
of my youth, and counsellor of my maturity." 

William Appleton was born in Brookfield, Mass., November, 
1786; died at Longwood, near Boston, February 15, 1862. 

He attended school first at New Ipswich, afterwards succes- 
sively at Francestown and Tyngsborough. When fifteen years of 
age he became a clerk in the store of Artemas Wheeler, at Temple, 
N. H. At the age of nineteen he was taken into partnership, and 

* " Memoir," by Rev. Chandler Robbins, D. D., prepared agreeably to reso- 
lution of Massachusetts Historical Society. 

22 



WILLIAM APPLE TON. 23 

at the expiration of a year sold his interest in the firm and went 
to Boston. In 1807, with the little that he had inherited and 
what he had earned, he went into business with M. N. Giddings, 
corner of India and Central streets, dealing in West India goods 
and crockery-ware. The connection was dissolved in 1809. Mr. 
Appleton, then worth about ^4000, bought the ship Triumph, at 
Salem, in connection with Upham, Gassett& Co., and at the end of 
the year 181 1, found that his commercial adventures had yielded 
him about ^10,000. The war with England soon came on, and his 
business was interrupted. In the spring of 1815, after peace had 
been restored, he laid his plans for future operations, and com- 
menced the building of the ships Telegraph, Courier, and Mifierva. 
Before they were finished, he was attacked with the dyspepsia, 
which was attended with great prostration, and nervous irritability. 
He travelled, first in this country, then in foreign lands, and in 
18 19, with improved health, went into business with Messrs. Page 
and Chase, the copartnership continuing for six years. On retir- 
ing from this firm, '* no man in Boston of his own age, had made 
so much money." 

In November, 1850, he was elected a Representative in Congress 
from the Suffolk District. He had accepted the nomination with 
reluctance, but the event proved the wisdom of those who had 
selected him. He served the Congress of 185 1-2 and that of 
1853-4 with eminent ability. Though his voice was never heard 
in debate, his opinions upon particular subjects were regarded with 
deference, and not unfrequently taken as authority. He was for 
the third time chosen to Congress in 1861, when seventy-three 
years of age. His duties were interrupted by ill health, and he 
returned to Boston. 

" When I was his pastor," says Rev. Alonzo Potter, Bishop of 
Pennsylvania, "he did not profess to be a decidedly Christian 
man. His mind, when I first knew him, seemed to yearn for the 
support of a clearer and stronger faith in spiritual realities, but to 
recoil from the effort and the sacrifices by which it was to be won. 
At times, he rebelled against exhibitions of what I regarded as 
truth ; and I recollect, with deep interest, long conversations 
which on such occasions I have had with him. His acuteness and 
strong sense were sometimes more than a match for my crude 



24 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

thoughts. . . . His questionings were always kind and respect- 
ful : they evinced a mind searching for truth ; though it was 
sometimes quite obvious that it was more for the satisfaction of a 
speculative curiosity than for the instruction and edification of his 
moral nature. I left Boston in the year 1831. Not long after 
severe domestic bereavements, the faithful preaching of my suc- 
cessor, and his deep sense of responsibility as a parent, all con- 
tributed to fix his purpose for life ; and he became an avowed 
follower of his Lord." 

He had observed the forms of religion, both in public and pri- 
vate ; he had maintained daily family devotion. At length in the 
year 1842, decision for Christ and his work was made. At this 
point he writes in his diary : " The thought of having it in my 
power to do something to extend this religion . . to lead others 
to believe in the cross of Christ, fills me with grateful delight. 
May God Almighty strengthen me in well-doing." On being 
elected to Congress, in view of the cares of public life, and the 
political and social influences of Washington, he writes in his 
diary : " I dread the thought of being drawn towards the world, 
and further from Him to whom my sole confidence and my ser- 
vice are due. I doubt myself. I put all my trust in God, and 
pray that he will direct and strengthen me." 

His eager prosecution of lucrative enterprises, even to the last 
he explains in his diary: "I must be busy; I don't know how to 
stop. If my natural insight enables me to see farther than most 
men in certain directions, my nature also compels me to make use 
of this endowment. . . I can't help seeing openings for profit, 
neither can I help availing of them. I pray God to keep me from 
being avaricious, and proud of my success." 

In the work of Christian benevolence, he writes : " My wish is 
to make religion my first and great object in life. I feel a deep 
interest in the cause of missions ; and my inclination is to give 
the bulk of my income to religious objects, — not to missionaries 
only, but to the education of ministers, and the encouragement of 
all workers for Christ. Oh, may God purify my motives, and bless 
my gifts ! I have parted with a large fortune ; but I have more 
satisfaction in what is gone than in what is left." 

Mr. Appleton was married in January, 1815, to Mary Ann 



WILLIAM APPLE TON. 2$ 

Cutler, " a lady whose Christian faith contributed as much to the 
establishment of her husband's religious character, as her domes- 
tic virtues to the happiness of his home." 

On the death of his second son, Amory, in 1843, he writes in 
his journal : " I loved him most dearly. We took our daily walks 
together; we went to the house of God in company; together we 
knelt at the altar. We were more nearly brought together than 
most fathers and sons. We had entire confidence in each other. 
^e would tell me my faults ; and I heard them from him with a 
better spirit than I should from any other. I was proud of him. 
God has taken him. May it humble my pride, and teach me to 
trust to the Saviour ! " 

Of Mr. Appleton it has been written: " His influence was such 
as belongs only to those who are born to control. He had the 
look of authority, — the eye and the lip of command. With all his 
independence, his quickness of temper, his pertinacity of will, and 
his peremptoriness of manner, there were combined tender affec- 
tions, generous sympathies, liberal sentiments, and a kind and for- 
giving disposition. Though habitually irritable, he was never vin- 
dictive. If his tongue had inadvertently inflicted a" sudden pang, 
his hand was instantly ready to relieve it. He never disparaged 
others, but strove to keep his own heart humble." 



SAMUEL TURRELL ARMSTRONG. 

ACTING GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1835.* 

Samuel T. Armstrong, son of Capt. John Armstrong, was 
born in Dorchester, Mass., April 29, 1784, died in Boston, March 
26, 1851. 

Among the relics which the son valued, was his father's com- 
mission in a military company, which he preserved in a handsome 
frame. 

He served an apprenticeship with Manning & Loring, printers 
and booksellers, and became an extensive publisher. " His store, 
known as 50 Cornhill, was the great mart of religious literature 
for the orthodox churches." 

Among his publications were : 

The " Panoplist," a monthly magazine devoted to religious and 
missionary intelligence. 

"Memoirs of Mrs. Harriet Newell," one of the first missionaries 
to India. A large sale of this work. On the 155th page occurs 
this passage : " The love of Jesus, and a desire for the salvation 
of the deluded inhabitants of the eastern world, shall lead me to 
cut these tender ties, which so closely unite me to American 
shores, and say in the language of submission : 'Here am I, Lord, 
do with me what thou wilt.' " 

Uniting himself to Crocker & Brewster in 18 18, partnership 
continuing until 1825, he published in 1820, " Scott's Family 
Bible," six royal octavo volumes, "a large and bold experiment of 
stereotyping for that day." 

The following incident referring to Mr. Armstrong, is given by 
Mr. Crocker. 

* " Memorial Biographies," New England Historical Society ; " Memoirs of 
Mrs. Harriet Newell " ; Boston Recorder. 

26 



SAMUEL TURK ELL ARMSTRONG. 2'J 

" When he built his house on Beacon Street, he made a con- 
tract with a builder to do all the work for a certain sum. The 
builder fulfilled his contract faithfully, but it cost him nearly five 
thousand dollars more than the contract price ; and he was unable 
to meet the liabilities incurred for materials for building. Mr, 
Armstrong wished me to look over the bills and vouchers. I did 
so, and was satisfied that they were all correct. He asked my 
opinion as to what he ought to do. He clearly was under no 
legal obligation to pay more than the contract price, and I did 
not wish to give my advice ; but, as he urged it, I told him that 
he had better pay the full actual cost of the house. After think- 
ing a minute, he said : ' To-morrow is my birthday, the 29th of 
April. If you will come to the office at eleven o'clock, I will 
give you my check for the whole amount, and you shall go and 
settle it for me.' And this was done." 

Mr. Armstrong was twice a Representative of Boston in the 
Legislature ; once a Senator for the county of Suffolk ; Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Massachusetts for two terms, when Levi Lincoln 
and John Davis were Governors, and he was acting Governor in 
1835 for ten months, Governor Davis having been transferred to 
the Senate of the United States. His last public service was as 
Mayor of the city of Boston in 1836. 

" He was a deacon for many years of the Old South Church, and 
Superintendent of its Sunday School. For religious and charita- 
ble objects he contributed liberally." Addressing a Sunday- 
school meeting at Boston, July, 1838, he said : 

" Teachers of Sabbath Schools should propose to themselves 
great things — things no less than the conversion to God of every 
child in every class." On the subject of restoring to Sabbath 
Schools the Westminster Assembly's Catechism, he remarked : 
" The Puritan fathers of New England lived at the time when the 
Assembly's Catechism was framed ; they knew its worth and per- 
ceived its wisdom. They taught it to their children, and this 
community are now in the enjoyment of great benefits from this 
instruction. I know some of the efforts and the success of the 
efforts that have been made to disparage this manual. . . . 
One of the advantages of this Catechism as a text-book is, 
that you have in it an exposition of the whole decalogue, in 



28 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

which all that is commanded and all that is forbidden is pointed 
out." 

Mr. Armstrong was marriecV in 1812, to Abigail, daughter of 
Hon. Timothy Walker, of Charlestown. He had no children. 



JOHN BACON. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1801-1803.* 

Nathaniel Bacon, early ancestor of John, emigrated to New 
England in 1640, settled in Barnstable, Mass., and became a 
member of the Plymouth Colony Council. From him descended 
John first; from him John second, who was the father of John of 
the present sketch. 

John Bacon was born in Canterbury, Conn., in 1737 ; died in 
Stockbridge, Mass., October 25, 1820. 

He graduated at Princeton College in 1765, under Rev. Dr. 
Finley ; studied theology ; served in the gospel ministry in Mary- 
land and Massachusetts; in 1775 settled in Stockbridge as an* 
agriculturist, and devoted his attention largely to the duties and 
offices of civil life. 

He served in both branches of the State Legislature ; was a 
Representative in Congress from 1801 to 1803, and was first Judge 
of the County Court of Berkshire for more than twenty years. 

He was a member of the Massachusetts Convention of 1778, 
and, before that body, made a speech against the excluding of 
negroes, Indians and mulattoes, from the rights of citizenship. 

In this speech, Mr. Bacon remarks :...." Say the honor- 
able and patriotic Convention of Pennsylvania, in their Bill of 
Rights, Article 7 : ' All free men having a sufficient evident 
common interest with and attachment to, the community, have a 
right to elect officers or be elected into office.' The Constitutions 
in general which have been formed of late, through the continent, 

* " New England Historical and Genealogical Register," v. 26; " Notes on 
the History of Slavery in Massachusetts," by George H. Moore, pp. 187-191 ; 
"Bacon's Discourses;" Durfee's "History of Williams College;" Alex- 
ander's " Princeton College During the Eighteenth Century." 

29 



30 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

breathe a like confident and genuine spirit of liberty .... By 
holding up this clause in our Constitution [the clause which 
excludes the parties mentioned from the rights of citizenship], 
.... we contradict the fundamental principles on which we 
engaged in our present opposition to Great Britain. The prin- 
ciple on which we engaged in this opposition, sir, I take to be 
this ; that representation and taxation are reciprocal ; that we, 
not being represented in the Parliament of Great Britain, Parlia- 
ment had no right to tax us without our consent. When the 
Parliament of Great Britain assumed this power and plead the 
charter of this (then) province to justify their claim, we in our 
turn, not only plead the same charter in opposition to such claim, 
but even contended, that on supposition the charter gave them 
this power, yet it was a power so inconsistent with the essential 
natural rights of men, that no contract whatever could, in such 
case, bind us. On this principle, sir, we engaged in the present 
war, on this principle we suppose ourselves justified in resisting, 
even to blood, that power which would thus arbitrarily exact upon ' 
us ; and on the same principle, I conceive, the persons excepted 
in the clause now before the Convention, would be justified in 
making the same opposition against us which we are making 
against Great Britain : If not, Mr. President, let any gentleman 
point out the difference between the two cases .... It is still 
further urged by gentlemen on the other side, ' that these persons 
2lXQ. foreigners, and therefore not entitled to a voice in legislation.' 
But how does this appear, Mr. President? What, unless it be 
their color, constitutes them foreigners ? Are they not Americans ? 
Is it not a fact, that those who are not natives of America, were 
forced here by us, contrary, not only to their own wills, but to 
every principle of justice and humanity? .... I hope the motion 
will obtain, and the clause be reprobated by the Convention. 
But should this not be the case, should it eventually appear that 
there is so great a want of virtue within these walls, I still hope 
there will be found among the people at large, virtue enough to 
trample under foot a form of government which thus saps the 
foundation of civil liberty, and tramples on the rights of men." 

On September 25, 177 1, John Bacon was installed, and John 
Hunt was ordained " to the joint Pastoral Charge of the South 



JOHN BACON. 31 

Church in Boston." Mr. Hunt preached the Ordination Sermon 
from the words : " Study to show thyself appr6ved unto God, a 
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the 
word of truth." Mr. Chauncy gave the Charge and said: "We 
who have been validly constituted officers in the kingdom of God, 
under the administration of Jesus the Saviour, impose our hands 

upon you, John Hunt At the same time, we commit to you 

and to John Bacon, who has been already ordained, the joint 
pastoral care, etc, . . . Preach the word, be instant in season, out 
of season .... Administer the sacraments of the New Testa- 
ment, to those, and those only, to whom they pertain .... My 
sons, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Said Mr. 
Elliot : " I do, by the appointment of the Council here convened, 
and in their name, give you, our Beloved Brethren, the Right 
Hand of Fellowship." On the Sabbath following, Mr. Bacon 
preached from the words : " The prophet that hath a dream, let 
him tell a dream, and he that hath my word, let him speak my 
word faithfully ; " and remarked : " The Word of God is a sacred 
treasure which he has in a special manner committed to his minis- 
ters ; to guard and defend which is no small part of their work. 
Christians, in general, are commanded to contend earnestly for 
the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. But more 
especially is this a work which ministers are called to engage in. 
Although this is a part of our work in itself disagreeable, yet when 
the cause of truth and the honor of God call for it, we, although 
striplings, are to gird on the harness, and come forth to the help 
of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty .... 
Nor is the minister of the Gospel to oppose infidels only, and 
those who are open and avowed enemies to religion in general ; 
but when the cause of truth requires, he is so far to deny himself, 
as, in the spirit of meekness, boldly to contend with those who 
are most dear to him in the bonds of Christian love ; even with 
his own brethren and fathers in the work of the Gospel ministry. 
. . . [As men are alike enemies to God, the minister must have 
the new heart?\ Great and wise princes do not think it either 
prudent for them, or safe for the State, to employ those in the 
most important places of trust, whom they know to be enemies to 
them, and opposed to their administration. Much less may we 



32 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. - 

suppose that the All Wise Jehovah approves of their being 
employed as ambassadors for him, who are enemies in their hearts 
to his character and government .... [Addressing his asso- 
ciate.] Let us in the bowels of our dear Redeemer, watch oyer 
and pray much for each other .... And may this Church under 
our mutual care and watch be established and built up on the 
most holy faith, .... for the sake of that blood which was shed 
for the priesthood and the people." 

Mr. Bacon was an early trustee of Williams College ; was the 
correspondent of the younger Jonathan Edwards, and of David 
Ramsay, the historian. 

He published "A Sermon," 1772 ; "An Answer to Huntington 
on a Case of Discipline," 1781 ; " A Speech on the Courts of the 
United States," 1802 ; " Conjectures on the Prophecies, 1805.'' 

Mr. Bacon married, first, Gertrude Henry ; second, Elizabeth 
Goldthwaite, widow of Rev. Alexander Gumming. Their only 
son graduated at Yale College in 1794; read law at Judge 
Reeve's law school, at Litchfield, Conn. ; settled in Berkshire 
County, and was Representative in Congress from 1807 to 1813. 
In the year 1816, he removed to Utica, N. Y., where he continued 
his residence, and lived to the age of ninety-four. " He was a 
man of great liberalit)% and an enthusiastic worker in many 
branches of humane and Christian labor." He had five children. 
Two daughters married at Pittsfield, and William Johnson served 
sixteen years as Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of New 
York. He had one son who lost his life in the battle of Freder- 
icksburg, Va., in the late war, and whose " Memorial," prepared 
by his father, was published by the American Tract Society of 
Boston. 



ROGER SHERMAN BALDWIN. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1844-1845.* 

Simeon Baldwin, father of Roger Sherman, was born at Nor- 
wich, Conn., December 14, 1761 ; died at New Haven, May 26, 
185 1. He was the third in the line of descent from John Baldwin, 
one of the Puritan emigrants. He graduated at Yale College in 
1781, was a tutor in the institution from 1783 to 1786; read law 
with Charles Chauncey, and commenced practice in New Haven; 
from 1803 to 1805 was a Representative in Congress; in 1826 was 
elected Mayor of New Haven. " He was universally respected and 
beloved for his sound judgment, fairness, candor, benevolence and 
piety." His first wife was Rebecca, his second wife was Eliza- 
beth, both daughters of Roger Sherman. 

Roger Sherman' Baldwin, second son of Simeon and Rebecca 
(Sherman) Baldwin was born in New Haven, January 4, 1793, 
died there, February 10, 1863. 

He graduated at Yale College in 18 ii, delivering an oration on 
Commencement day, on "The Genius of a Free Government," 
studied law at the -Litchfield Law School, and established himself 
in New Haven. 

In 1837 and 1838 he served in the State Senate ; in 1840 and 
1841 was State Representative ; in 1844 and 1845 ^^'^^ Governor 
of Connecticut ; and was elected United States Senator to fill a 
vacancy from 1847 to 1851. 

In 1841, he was associated with John Quincy Adams in the 
argument before the Supreme Court of the United States in the 
case of the Africans of the vessel Amistad. 

For the period of fifty years, Mr. Baldwin devoted himself to 

* Lanman's " Annals " ; " Discourse," by Rev. Mr. Button. 
3 Zl 



34 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

the duties of his profession, his seasons of political service ex- 
cepted. His oratory, not often impassioned, was dignified and 
convincing, addressed to the intellect rather than the sympathies. 
As Governor of Connecticut, his administration was wise and 
able. 

Of the religious character of Mr. Baldwin, Rev. Samuel Button 
speaks as follows, year 1863. 

" Many years since, thinking it my duty as his pastor to en- 
deavor to ascertain his religious condition, I sought an interview 
with him at his office. He assured me that religion was a subject 
to which he was not indifferent, and which he did not neglect. 
But he added, that he felt an utter inability to express his personal 
feelings on that subject, and was compelled to request his friends 
to judge of them by his course of life. Judging by this method, 
the one who knows him best, has been convinced for many years 
that he was a Christian man ; that his devotion to the right, 
included his relations to God, as well as his relations to men ; 
and that his conscientious regard to duty was the result of the 
principle of obedience to the will and authority of God. I have 
myself, for some years past, believed that to be true, and that 
Governor Baldwin has regarded himself as a Christian. The in- 
quiry which has naturally arisen, whether he has not relied on his 
own righteousness for acceptance with God, has been satisfied, by 
various indications, that he believed in the Gospel as it is — the 
Gospel which reveals salvation by Christ alone. It has been 
evident that he has frequently had the subject of professing re- 
ligion in his thoughts ; and I have no doubt he has been kept 
from it by the fact that it involved that expression and publicity 
of his personal feelings, for which he felt, as he stated it, an 
utter inability." 

Mr. Baldwin married in 1820, Emily, daughter of Enoch 
Perkins, of Hartford, by whom he had nine children. Four sons 
graduated at Yale College. 



WILLIAM B. BANISTER.' 

SENATOR IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1818, 1819.* 

Mr. Banister was born in Brookfield in 1774, died in New- 
buryport, July i, 1853. 

He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1797 ; became a resi- 
dent of Newburyport, practiced law in the courts of Essex 
County; served as Representative in the Massachusetts Legisla- 
ture 1810-1813, 1817 ; served as Senator, 1818, 1819 ; was a mem- 
ber of the Convention of 1820. 

He was a Deacon of the Congregational Church in Newbury- 
port ; was a man of wealth, and to charitable institutions 
bequeathed nearly forty thousand dollars. 

He was three times married. His third wife was Zilpah P. 
Grant, the friend and associate of Mary Lyon. The American 
Tract Society published, 1886, "The Use of a Life, or Memorials 
of Mrs. Z. P. Grant Banisttr." 

* Allen's " Biographical Dictionary ; " " Memorials of Mrs. Banister." 



35 



WALTER BAREFOOT. 

DEPUTY-GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1683-1686.* 

Walter Barefoot, formerly of England, was a resident of Great 
Island, the seat of the provincial government of New Hampshire, 
as early as 1660. In 1683 he wrote to the " Lords of the Committee, 
etc.," that he had been a resident of the province more than 
twenty-five years. He was member of His Majesty's Council for 
New Hampshire from October, 1682, to January, 1683; Deputy- 
Governor from January, 1683, to May, 1686 ; a part of the time was 
Acting Governor; in 1686 on the accession of Thomas Dudley as 
President of New England, he was made a Justice for New Hamp- 
shire. 

While he was one of the few in office who gave protection to 
the Quakers, he upheld the usurpations of the English Church, as 
the following warrant, signed by him and others, against a con- 
scientious minister of the gospel reveals. 

" To James Sherlock, Provost Marshal. 

" In His Majesty's name you are hereby required forthwith to take and appre- 
hend the body and person of Joshua Moodey, of Portsmouth, and carry him to 
the prison at Great Island; and the prison-keeper, Richard Abbott, is hereby 
required to receive him, the said Joshua Moodey, and keep him in safe custody 
in the said prison, he having been convicted of administering the sacraments 
contrary to the laws and statutes of England, and refusing to administer the 
sacraments according to the rites and ceremon^^es of the Church of England, 
and the form enjoined in the said statutes ; there to remain for the space of 
six months next ensuing, without bail or main prize. Fail not. 

" Walter Barefoot. [Seal.] 

" February 6, 1683." 

* " New England Historical and Genealogical Register," vol. 26; " Collec- 
tions of New Hampshire Historical Society," vol. 8. 

36 



WALTER BAREFOOT. 37 

The will of Walter Barefoot, proved in Boston, 1688, contains 
this passage : " First and principally, I commend my soul into 
the hands of Almighty God, hoping through the Merits, Death 
and Passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ, to have full and free par- 
don and forgiveness of all my sins, and to inherit eternal life." 



EDWARD BATES. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, 1861-1864.* 

The parents of Mr. Bates were Quakers, and were married 
according to the forms of the Quaker sect in 177 1. In 178 1 the 
father lost his membership in the Society of Friends by bearing 
arms at the siege of York, as volunteer private soldier under 
Lafayette. He died in 1805, leaving a very small estate and a 
very large family. 

Edward Bates was born in Goochland County, Virginia, Septem- 
ber 4, 1793, died in St. Louis, Mo., Margh 25, 1869. 

In 181 1 his kinsman, James Pleasants, then member of Con- 
gress, and afterwards Governor of Virginia, procured for him the 
offer o'f a warrant in the Navy, the special object of his ambition. 
His mother was willing that any of her sons should march, when- 
ever needed, to repel an invasion, but was too good a Quaker to 
agree that any child of hers should follow arms as a profession 
and for a livelihood. She remonstrated and wept. He declined 
the warrant. 

In 18 1 2 his brother Frederick invited him to come to St. Louis 
and follow the law, offering to see him safely through his course 
of study. He accepted the invitation, and was to have started in 
the spring of 18 13, but an unlooked-for event detained him. A 
sudden call was made in Goochland County for volunteers to 
march for Norfolk to repel an apprehended attack by the British 
fleet. He joined a company in February, marched to Norfolk 
and served till October of that year as private, corporal and 
sergeant successively. The next spring he set out for St. Louis, 
and crossed the Mississippi, for the first time, on the 29th of 

* Boston Recorder^ i860 ; Lanman's " Biographical Annals." 
3S 



EDWARD BATES. 



39 



April, 1814. Here he studied law in the office of Rufus Easton, a 
Connecticut man, and educated at Litchfield. 

In 1822, he was chosen Representative in the Missouri Legisla- 
ture ; in 1826, Representative in Congress; in 1830 was elected 
to the State Senate, serving four years; in 1834 was again elected 
to the House and took an active part in the revision of the State 
laws. In 1835, being enfeebled by sedentary labor, he moved to 
the country and practiced law, travelling much on horseback, and 
returning to St. Louis in 1842. In 1856, he acted as President of 
the Whig National Convention which met at Baltimore ; in 1859 
was appointed by President Fillmore and confirmed by the Sen- 
ate, Secretary of War, but declined the appointment for personal 
and domestic reasons; in 1861, was appointed Attorney-General 
of the United States. 

At the Chicago Convention which nominated Mr. Lincoln for 
the Presidency, Mr. Bates' name was prominent against Lincoln, 
Seward, and others. He afterwards wrote a letter in support of 
the Republican party and its candidate, stating that he felt no 
dissatisfaction at not being nominated himself; that he had 
known Mr. Lincoln for more than twenty years, and that he stood 
high in reputation for truth, candor, courage, morals and amia- 
bility. 

"The private character of Mr. Bates was eminently exemplary. 
The pious teachings of his youth became the settled principles of 
his manhood. He attended upon the ordinances of religion, and 
maintained family worship." 

The few slaves that he kept as domestic servants, be finally 
emancipated. His aged mother, who died in 1846, set free by will 
the slaves that she held, and in 1859, his sister, Sarah Bates, 
emancipated by deed her thirty-two slaves. " Grape Hill," the 
family residence, was situated about four miles from the city of 
St. Louis, and embraced a brick mansion, with grounds and gar- 
dens. Though not extravagant, he lived in comfortable and sub- 
stantial style. 



JONATHAN BELCHER. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE, 173O-1741.* 

Andrew Belcher, grandfather of Jonathan, lived in Cam- 
bridge, and "received in 1652 a Hcense for an inn, granting him 
liberty to sell beer and bread, for entertainment of strangers, 
and the good of the town." 

The second Andrew Belcher lived also in Cambridge, and pos- 
sessed a large estate. He was a member of the Council from 
1702 to 17 17. The testimony of Jonathan concerning his father's 
last words to him is as follows : " He called me to his bedside, 
took me by the hand and said :....' Remember my last words 
to you are : May the blessing of the God of Abraham, and the 
God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, rest upon you and your seed 
forever. Amen. Farewell.' " 

Jonathan Belcher was born in Boston in 1681, died at Eliza- 
bethtown, N. J., August 31, 1757. 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1699, in a class number- 
ing twelve ; spent several years in Great Britain and on the Conti- 
nent ; on his return to America, resided in Boston as a merchant ; 
was chosen a member of the Council ; was sent as agent of the 
province to the British Court in 1729; was appointed by His 
Majesty to the government of Massachusetts and New Hampshire 
in 1730, and held the position eleven years. He was Governor of 
New Jersey from 1747 to 1757 and was the friend and patron of 
Princeton College. 

" Mr. Belcher maintained the worship of God in his famil)^, him- 

* " New England Historical Register," v. 27 ; " Works of Isaac Watts," 
London, 1810, V. i; "Collections New Hampshire Historical Society," v. 4; 
"Historical Collections American Colonial Church," Massachusetts; "The 
Panoplist." 

40 



^<S^tt»., ^ »- 




Qf(^e/fcAe^r~) 



JON A THAN BEL CHER. 4 1 

self reading the volume of truth and addressing in prayer the 
Majesty of heaven. When Mr, Whitfield was in Boston in 1740, 
he treated him with the greatest respect. . . He requested him to 
continue his faithful instructions and pungent addresses to the 
conscience, desiring him to spare neither ministers nor rulers." 

He writes to Isaac Watts upon his appointment as Governor of 
New England. 

" Whitehall, January 8, 1729-30. 

" Reverend Sir : . . . I am sensible that great is the burthen and duty of 
the place with which the King has honored me. I therefore desire you to join 
with me while I bow my knees to the God of all grace and wisdom that he 
would give me a wise and understanding heart, to discern between good and 
bad and to know how to go out and in before his people. Every day fills my 
soul with care and solicitude, that I may discharge my trust to the honor of 

God, the good of his people, and my own comfort and credit 

" Your most obedient and humble servant, 

" Jonathan Belcher." 

He writes to Secretary Waldron from Boston, July 20, 1741. 

" Were my opportunity lengthened out, I would with pleasure do the good 
you mentioned, for Haverhill, etc., but I loathe and abhore the thought of — 
No ! doing my duty in serving my generation according to the will of God, has 
been always to me the sweetest reward, and had I one corrupted finger, I would 
sever it from the rest. I thank God, who, through the whole of my administra- 
tion, has never left me to be enslaved or in the least subjected to filthy lucre. 
No ! I can now in the end appeal with boldness and comfort, to the Omniscient 
God, as the Prophet of old : ' Behold here I am. Witness against me before 
the Lord, and before his Anointed — Whose ox have I taken ? or whose ass 
have I taken > or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed.' or of 
whose hand have I received any bribe ? ' " 

In August, 1735, Governor Belcher, in company with members of 
the Council and Legislature, were in the town of Deerfield doing 
business with Indian tribes. He ordered that the ordination of 
Rev. Mr. Sergeant, who became missionary to the Stockbridge 
Indians, should take place in that town during their stay, which 
was accordingly observed. To Mr. Sergeant, Governor Belcher 
penned the following : 

" Set before you the example of the Great Apostle of the Gentiles for your 
imitation, that you may approve yourself a chosen vessel unto Christ, to bear 
his name to those that are perishing for lack of vision. And may you, sir, be 



42 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

honored of God by being made an instrument of taking the scales from their 
eyes. May you be wise to win their souls, and be able to say to them, * In 
Christ Jesus have I begotten you through the Gospel.' For these things will I 
bow my knee, and lift up my heart to him, with whom is the residue of the 
Spirit." 

" Mr, Belcher was a merchant of large fortune and unblemished 
reputation. He was graceful in his person, and elegant and polite 
in his manners." 

He was twice married, first to Mary, daughter of Lieutenant- 
Governor Partridge, of New Hampshire, by whom he had five chil- 
dren, four sons and one daughter. Second to Mary L. E. Teal, at 
Burlington, N. J., by whom he had no issue. Two of his sons grad- 
uated at Harvard College, one became a member of the Council, 
the other Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia. A memorial dis- 
course on Governor Belcher by Aaron Burr, President of New 
Jersey College, also one on Mary, wife of Governor Belcher, by 
Rev, Thomas Prince, may be found in the Public Library of Bos- 
ton, also in the Library of the Antiquarian Society at Worcester. 



RICHARD BELLINGHAM. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY, 1641,1665-1672.* 

Mr. Bellingham was born in England in 1592, died December 
7, 1672. 

In the year 1634, he left his native land, and became a resident 
of Boston, in New England. He was educated to the profession 
of the law, " being learned in the Laws of England ; " possessed 
property and estate above most of the planters of the colony, and 
was one of the twenty -six original Massachusetts patentees named 
in the charter of King Charles I. Edward Johnson speaks of the 
charter as "procured by advice of one Mr. White, an honest 
counsellor-at-law, and furthered by the honored Richard Belling- 
ham." 

He served several years as an Assistant ; in 1641 was elected 
Governor in opposition to Winthrop by a majority of six votes ; 
in 1665 was again chosen Governor, and continued in office under 
annual elections, until his death in 1672. In framing the colonial 
laws he rendered active and efficient service. 

" Soon after arriving in this country, he joined the church in 
Boston, with his wife Elizabeth. He was devotedly attached to 
the Puritan faith, and warmly opposed any movement which he 
feared might weaken or prejudice the church. As a magistrate 
he had in view the best welfare of the people." 

Of his singular second marriage the following is a brief history. 
There resided in the family of the Governor a young man who 
had been paying his addresses to a woman of the neighborhood, 
named Penelope Pelham. Suddenly the Governor made over- 

* Moore's " Governors of Massachusetts Bay " ; Johnson's " Wonder- Work- 
ing Providence "; Bradford's " New England Biography." 

43 



44 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

tures to the lady and she accepted him. He failed to publish the 
contract, according to law, and he performed the marriage cere- 
mony himself. This he claimed the right to do in his capacity as 
magistrate, and when he was prosecuted, he refused to appear as 
an offender, and finally escaped censure. 

Mr. Bellingham survived all the patentees and all the early 
assistants except Bradstreet. His sister Annie, widow of William 
Hibbens, an assistant, was executed as a witch at Salem in June, 
1656. 



THOMAS HART BENTON. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1821-1851.* 

Thomas Hart Benton was born near Hillsborough, N. C, 
March 14, 1782, died in Washington, April 10, 1858. 

He studied at the University of North Carolina, leaving that in- 
stitution without receiving a degree ; pursued law at William and 
Mary College, Virginia; was connected with the United States 
Army, in 1810; in 181 1 began the practice of law at Nashville, 
Tenn., and soon after emigrated to St. Louis, Mo., where he edited 
the Missouri Ijiqulrcr. 

In 1820 he was elected a member of the United States Senate, 
and remained in that body until the session of 185 1. During the 
thirty years of his connection with the Senate, few public measures 
were discussed in which he did not participate. 

In the Presidential election of 1856, he supported Mr. Buchanan, 
in opposition to his son-in-law, Colonel Fre'mont, fearing that the 
election of Colonel Fre'mont would occasion sectional parties fatal 
to the permanence of the Union. 

While connected with the Missouri Inqidrer, he had difficulty 
with Mr. Lucas, resulting in a duel betvi^een the two, in which Mr. 
Benton killed his opponent. 

Says Daniel Webster of Mr. Benton : " We had had many polit- 
ical controversies; we were hardly on bowing terms. For many 
years we had been members of the same body, and passed in and 
out at the same door without the slightest mutual recognition, and 
we never had any intercourse except such as was official, and when 
it could not be avoided. There were no social relations whatever 

* Lanman ; Appleton ; Hervey's " Reminiscences of Daniel Webster ; " Boston 
Recorder ; Discourse, by Rev. Mr. Cowan; National Portrait Gallery. 

45 



46 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

between us. At the time of the gun explosion on board the Prince- 
ton, Mr. Benton was a passenger and he related to me this inci- 
dent. He was standing near the gun in the best position to see 
the experiment. The deck of the steamer was crowded. Sud- 
denly he felt a hand laid upon his shoulder, and turned. Some 
one wished to speak to him, and he was elbowed out of his place. 
The person who took his place was ex-Governor Gilmer, of Vir- 
ginia, then Secretary of the Navy. At that instant the gun was 
fired, and the explosion took place. Governor Gilmer was killed 
instantly. Colonel Benton in relating this circumstance said, ' It 
seemed to me, Mr. Webster, as if that touch on my shoulder, was 
the hand of the Almighty drawing me away from what otherwise 
would have been instant death. That one circumstance has 
changed the current of my thoughts and life. I feel that I am a 
different man, and I want in the first place to be at peace with all 
those with whom I have been at variance, and so I have come to 
you. Let us bury the hatchet, Mr. Webster.' We shook hands, 
and agreed to let the past be past. After this, there was no per- 
son in the Senate of whom I would have asked any reasonable 
favor sooner than of Mr. Benton." 

Rev. Mr. Cowan says of Mr. Benton : " To those who had the 
privilege of being with him in his last illness, he gave the most 
satisfactory evidence of having made his peace with God." Mr. 
Cowan also relates that "in 1851, he was engaged in a protracted 
meeting in Benton, Scott County, and Mr. Benton making a visit 
to the place attended the meeting. My text was, 'Almost thou 
persuadest me to be a Christian.' At the close he came up and 
took me by the hand, and placing his mouth close to my ear, he re- 
marked, in allusion to my text, ' It is all my own case — it is all 
my own case,' and burst into a flood of tears." 

Mr. Benton published " Thirty Years' View ; or, the American 
Government from 1820 to 1850"; two volumes. While the sec- 
ond volume was in preparation, a fire destroyed his manuscripts. 
He stated to his publisher his loss : that his labor would be 
doubled; but that he would go to work immediately and work in- 
cessantly. 

He married Elizabeth, daughter of Col. James McDowell, of 
Rockbridge County, Va. 



JEREMIAH SULLIVAN BLACK. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, 1857-1860.* 

Henry Black, father of Jeremiah S., served in the Legislature 
of Pennsylvania from 1815 to 1818, and was an Associate Judge of 
Somerset County from 1820 to 1840. In 1841, at a special election, 
he was chosen to fill a vacancy in Congress, but on the point of 
departure for his duties at Washington, died suddenly Novem- 
ber 28, 1841. 

Jeremiah Sullivan Black was born in Somerset County, Pa,, 
January 10, 1810, died at York^ August 19, 1883. 

He received his early education in the schools about his home 
and completed his studies at a private academy in Fayette County. 
When seventeen years old, he left the school-room for the farm, 
where he spent eighteen months, devoting his leisure time to the 
translation of Virgil and Horace. He then studied law with 
Chauncy Forward, and was admitted to the bar in 1831. In 1838 
he married Mr, Forward's daughter Mary, who was eleven years 
younger than himself. 

In 185 1, he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, was re- 
elected in 1854 ; received from President Buchanan, March 5, 1857, 
the appointment of Attorney-General of the United States, and 
served as Secretary of State from December, i860, to March, 1861. 

Mr, Black published an article in the " North American 
Review " upon the claims of the Christian Religion,! answering the 
points of a prominent opposer. Certain opposing points with their 
answers, are as follows : 

*Lanman; Weekly Dispatch, York, Pa. ; " North American Review " ; Ad- 
dress by Rev, T. L. Powers, 
t A pamphlet edition was published in Toronto. 

47 



48 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Christianity offers eternal Salvation as the reward of belief alo7ie. 

This is a misrepresentation simple and naked. No such doc- 
trine is propounded in the Scriptures, or in the creed of any Chris- 
tian church. On the contrary, it is distinctly taught that faith 
avails nothing without repentance, reformation, and newness of 
life. 

The mystery of the second birth is incomprehensible. 

Christ established a new kingdom in the world but not of it. 
Subjects were admitted to the privileges and protection of its gov- 
ernment by a process equivalent to naturalization. To be born 
again, or regenerated is to be naturalized. The words all mean 
the same thing. 

The doctrine of the Atonement is absurd, unjust, intfnoral. 

The plan of salvation, or any plan for the rescue of sinners from 
the legal operation of divine justice, could have been found only 
in the councils of the Omniscient. Necessarily, its heights and 
depths are not easily fathomed by finite intelligence. But the great- 
est, ablest, wisest and most virtuous men that ever lived, have 
given it their profoundest consideration, and found it to be not only 
authorized by revelation, but theoretically conformed to their best 
and highest conceptions of Infinite Goodness. 

He does not comprehend how Justice and mercy can be blended to- 
gether in the plan of redefnption ;and therefore it cannot be true. 

A thing is not necessarily false, because one does not understand 
it ; he cannot annihilate a principle or fact by ignoring it. There 
are many truths in heaven and earth which no man can see 
through ; for instance the union of man's soul with his body, is not 
only an unknowable, but an unimaginable mystery. Is it therefore 
false that a connection does exist between matter and spirit? 

Hoiv can the sufferings of an innocent person satisfy Justice for the 
sins of the guilty ] 

This raises a metaphysical question, which it is not necessary or 
possible to discuss here. As matter of fact, Christ died that sin- 
ners might be reconciled to God, and in that sense He died for 
them ; that is to furnish them with the means of averting divine jus- 
tice, which their crimes had provoked. 

What would we think of a ma?i who allowed another to die for a 
crime which he himself had com}nitted 1 



JEREMIAH SULLIVAN BLA CK. 49 

A man who, by any contrivance, causes his own offence to be 
visited on the head of an innocent person, is unspeakably depraved. 
But are Christians guilty of this baseness, because they accept the 
blessings of an institution which their great benefactor died to 
establish ? Loyalty to the King who has erected a most beneficent 
government for us at the cost of his life — fidelity to the Master 
who bought us with His blood — is not the fraudulent substitution 
in place of a criminal. 

The doctrine of ?wn-resistancc, forgiveness of injuries, reconciliation 
with cnctnics as taught in the New Testament, is the child of weakness, 
degrading and unjust. 

Christianity does not forbid the necessary defence of civil society, 
or the proper vindication of personal rights. But the propensities 
of animosity, revenge, and malice are curbed by the authority 
and spirit of the Christian religion, and the application of it has 
converted men from low savages into refined and civilized beings. 

Mr. Black concludes : — 

This religion has come down to us through the ages, attended 
all the way by righteousness, justice, temperance, mercy, trans- 
parent truthfulness, exulting hope, and white winged charity. 
Never was its influence for good more plainly perceptible than 
now. It has not converted, purified, and reformed all men ; for its 
first principle is the freedom of the human will and there are 
those who choose to reject it. But to the mass of mankind, di- 
rectly and indirectly, it has brought uncounted benefits and bless- 
ings. Abolish it — take away the restraints which it imposes on 
evil passions — silence the admonitions of its preachers — let all 
Christians cease their labors of charity — blot out from history the 
records of its benevolence^repeal the laws it. has enacted and the 
institutions it has built up — let its moral principles be abandoned 
and all its miracles of light be extinguished — what would we come 
to? 

" Mr. Black in early manhood connected himself with the sect 
called ' Disciples.' He knew Alexander Campbell, the founder of 
the denomination, intimatel}', and was baptized by him. He 
trusted in Christ. He recognized the truth, after all his honors, 
that the most illustrious object in the universe is a sinner saved 
by grace. He was a praying man." 
4 



50 AMERICAN CHKISTIAiV RULERS. 

James Black, brother of Jeremiah S. , was a Representative in 
Congress from Pennsylvania from 1843 to 1847. "^^^ only sister 
became the wife of a Somerset merchant. 

A volume has been published made up of the speeches, etc., of 
Mr. Black. 



ELIAS BOUDINOT. 

MEMBER OF CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1 777-* 

Elias Boudinot, great-grandfather of Elias, was a Protestant in 
France. 

The father of Elias bore the name of EHas, was a silversmith, 
residing for a time in Princeton, N. J. His mother, Catherine 
Williams, was of Welsh family. 

Elias Boudinot, subject of this sketch, was born in Philadel- 
phia, May 2, 1740; died in Burlington, N. J., October 24, 1821. 

He studied law under Richard Stockton ; in 1777 was elected 
to Congress ; became President of that body in November, 1782 ; 
after the adoption of the Constitution, was again elected to Con- 
gress in 1789, and served as member of the House until 1795. 
In 1796 Washington appointed him Director of the United States 
Mint, as the successor of Rittenhouse. He held the office until 
1805 when he resigned, and removing from Philadelphia, passed 
the remainder of his life at Burlington. 

The following are the details of the formation of the American 
Bible Society, Mr. Boudinot becoming the first president. 

On May 8, 1816, a convention assembled in New York in the 
consistory rooms of the Reformed Dutch Church, for the purpose 
of taking into consideration the duty and propriety of forming 
a National Bible Society. Joshua M. Wallace, Esq., of New 
Jersey, an Episcopalian, was chosen president of the convention, 
and Rev. John B. Romeyn, of New York, and Rev. Lyman 
Beecher, of Connecticut, secretaries. The meeting was opened 
with prayer by Rev. Doctor Nott, president of Union College. 

* Allen's " Biographical Dictionary " ; " History of Princeton " ; " Panoplist " 
and *' Missionary Magazine " ; " History of the American Bible Society." 

51 



52 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Forty-eight gentlemen appeared as regular delegates from twenty- 
nine Bible societies.- The subject was freely discussed, when it 
was resolved . ' That it is expedient to establish without delay, a 
general Bible institution for the circulation of the Holy Script- 
ures without note or comment.' As the result of this convention 
a constitution was drawn, managers were chosen, and Hon. 
Elias Boudinot, of New Jersey, was chosen the first president for 
one year. 

His letter of acceptance, written to Rev. Dr. Romeyn, dated 
Burlington, June 5, 1816, bears this passage: 

" I am not ashamed to confess, that I accept of the appoint- 
ment of President of the American Bible Society, as the greatest 
honor that could have been conferred on me this side of the 
grave." 

Mr. Boudinot was the author of a volume published in 1801, 
entitled, " The Age of Revelation." In his dedication of the 
work to his daughter, he writes this concerning the Scriptures: 
" For nearly half a century have I studied that invaluable treas- 
ure, and I scarcely ever take it up, that I do not find something 
new." 

Mr. Boudinot was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a 
man of large benevolence. Among his gifts were $10,000 to the 
American Bible Society, and $3,000 for establishing in Princeton 
College a cabinet of natural history. Among his bequests by 
will, were, $2,000 to the Moravians at Bethlehem for the instruc- 
tion of the Indians and Jews ; $5,000 to the General Assembly of 
the Presbyterian Church for the support of a missionary in Phila- 
delphia and New York. 

Mr. Boudinot married a daughter of Richard Stockton, Signer 
of the Declaration of Independence, and their only daughter 
married William Bradford, who in 1794 was appointed by Wash- 
ington Attorney-General of the United States. 



JAMES BOWDOIN. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1785-1786.* 

Peter Bowdoin, or Pierre Baudouin, grandfather of James, was 
a physician of Rochelle in France, and a Protestant in faith. He 
came to Falmouth, now Portland, Me., as early as April, 1687, 
and became the owner of a tract of twenty-three acres, extending 
across the neck where South Street now is. About the year 
1690, he removed to Boston. 

James, eldest son of the preceding, and father of James of the 
present sketch, was a merchant in Boston, acquired a large 
estate, and lived to the age of seventy-one. He left two sons, 
William by his second wife. 

James Bowdoin was born in Boston, August 8, 1727, died 
November 6, 1790. He became a student at Mr, Lovel's gram- 
mar school, entered Harvard College, where he was known for 
his studious habits, modesty and politeness, and graduated at 
this institution in 1745, at the age of eighteen. 

He was chosen a Representative to the Massachusetts General 
Court in 1753 ; served several years as member of the Council ; 
was chQsen Governor of the State in 1785, and was re-elected 
the following year. During his administration. Shay's Rebellion 
in Western Massachusetts, occurred, and he called out 4,000 
militia under General Lincoln, for its suppression. " He ful- 
filled his duties as Governor, with wisdom, firmness, and integ- 
rity," Mr. Bowdoin was versed in mathematics, astronomy, and 
the physical sciences. The University of Edinburgh conferred 
upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. 

* Bradford's " New England Biography ; " Allen ; Eliot ; Drake. 

£3 



54 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" For more than thirty years, he was an exemplary member of 
the church in Brattle Street. He knew the pleasures and advan- 
tages of family devotion, and he conscientiously observed the 
Christian Sabbath. He was fond of theological inquiry, and few 
men who are not of the profession, had studied divinity with more 
earnestness. He attributed his belief in the Gospel in a great 
measure to a careful perusal of Butler's Analogy of Natural and 
Revealed Religion." 

To the poor of the congregation where he worshipped, he 
bequeathed ;^ioo ; to the American Academy of Arts and 
Sciences, incorporated in Boston May 4, 1680, he bequeathed 
;^ioo, and his valuable library of 1200 volumes. 

His letters to Benjamin Franklin were published. 

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Erving, and left 
two children, a son and a daughter. James, the son, received a 
commission from Mr. Jefferson as Minister to the Court of 
Madrid, and was abroad from 1805 until 1808. He inherited 
from his father, Naushon, the largest of the Elizabeth Islands, 
and a locality of great attractiveness, formerly the property of 
his grandfather ; and here he established his residence. The 
library, philosophical apparatus, and paintings, which he brought 
from Paris, he bequeathed to Bowdoin College. 



WILLIAM BRADFORD. 

GOVERNOR OF PLYMOUTH COLONY, 1 62 1.* 

The grandfather of Mr. Bradford bore the name of William, 
resided at Austerfield, Yorkshire County, England, and possessed 
a good estate. The father also was named William, and died in 
early manhood in 1591. 

William Bradford, subject of this sketch, was born in England, 
March, 1588, died May 9, 1657. 

Left an orphan in early youth, his grandparents took him in 
charge. Although his patrimony was large, he was bred to 
agriculture. He studied the Scriptures in his youth, and embraced 
the religious doctrines taught by Mr. Robbinson. In 1608 he 
went with others to Holland, and in 1620 was a passenger in the 
Mayfltnve7- for New England, and became one of the early mem- 
bers of the church in Plymouth. 

Mr. Bradford succeeded Mr. Carver as Governor of Plymouth 
Colony in 162 1, and Isaac Allerton was chosen his Assistant. He 
was re-elected every year till 1657, except the years 1633, '34, ^Ty^^ 
'38 and '44 ; a period in all of the governorship of thirty-one 
years. 

In transactions with the Indians he was strictly just. His 
mingled mildness and energy won both their affections and their 
respect. On receiving from them a bundle of arrows, bound 
together by the skin of a serpent, he answered promptly, by send- 
ing back the skin filled with powder and bullets. . 

Mr. Bradford was familiar with the German and French 



* "New England Historical and Genealogical Register;" Thacher's "His- 
tory of Plymouth ; " Bradford's " New England Biography ; " Mather's " Mag- 
nalia;" "Massachusetts Historical Collections." 

SS 



56 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

languages, the Latin, Greek and Hebrew. The latter he studied, 
" because," said he, " I wish to see with my own eyes, the ancient 
oracles of God in their native beauty." 

He wrote a history of Plymouth Colony from 1602 to 1647, 
which was used by Morton in compiling his Memorial, by Hutch- 
inson in his " History of Massachusetts," and by Prince in his 
" Annals of New England." The manuscript, being deposited with 
Prince's library in the tower of the Old South Church, Boston, 
disappeared in the War of the Revolution, when this church was 
occupied by British troops. Having been lost eighty years, it 
was recovered, and printed by the Massachusetts Historical 
Society in 1856. 

The following referring to New England is from the pen of Mr. 
Bradford. 

" But that which did 'bove all the rest excel, 
God in his word, with us he here did dwell; 
Well ordered churches in each place there were, 
And a learned ministry was planted here. 
All marvelled and said, ' Lord, this work is thine, 
In the wilderness to make such lights to shine,' 
And truly it was a glorious thing. 
Thus to hear men pray, and God's praises sing, 
Where these natives were wont to cry and yell 
To Satan, who 'mongst them doth rule and dwell. 
Oh, how great comfort was it now to see, 
The churches to enjoy free liberty ! 
And to have the gospel preached here with power, 
And such wolves repell'd as would else devour; 
And now with plenty their poor souls were fed, 
With better food than wheat, or angels' bread ; 
In green pastures they may themselves solace, 
And drink freely of the sweet springs of grace; 
A pleasant banquet is prepar'd for these, 
Of fat things, and rich wine upon the lees ; 

'Eat, O my friends (saith Christ), and drink freely, 
Here's wine and milk, and all sweet spicery; 
The honey and its comb is here to be had, 
I myself for you have this banquet made ; 
Be not dismayed, but let your heart rejoice 
In this wilderness, O let me hear your voice ; 
My friends you are, whilst you my ways do keep, 
Your sins I'll pardon, and your good I'll seek.' 



WILLI A M BRA DFORD. 5 7 

And they, poor souls, again to Christ do say, 
'Oh Lord, thou art our hope, our strength, and stay; 
Who givest to us all these thy good things ; 
Us shelter still in the shadow of thy wings : 
So we shall sing, and laud thy name with praise; 
'Tis thine own work, to keep us in thy ways ; 
Uphold us still, O thou which art most high. 
We then shall be kept, and thy name glorify ; 
Let us enjoy thyself with these means of grace, 
And in our hearts shine with the light of thy face; 
Take not away thy presence, nor thy word, 
But we humbly pray, us the same afford.' " 

Mr. Bradford's first wife, Dorothy May, accompanied him from 
England, and was drowned before reaching Plymouth, at Cape 
Cod, December 7, 1620. John, the eldest son by this marriage, 
came over from England in 1623, lived in Duxbury, was Deputy 
to the General Court in 1652. Mr. Bradford married for his 
second wife, August 14, 1623, Alice Southworth, widow of Edward 
Southworth, a lady of property, education and Christian character. 
He knew her well in England before his first marriage. " Waving 
her right to demand a personal visit which would call away the 
Governor from his important duties to the colony in the wilder- 
ness, she generously listened to his request, and came over in the 
ship Anil, which arrived August i, 1623." Children by this 
second marriage were William, Mercy and Joseph. William, born 
in 1624, was Deputy-Governor of the colony, and lived to the age 
of eighty. He had fifteen children, his brother Joseph seven. 



SIMON BRADSTREET. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1679-1686, 1689-1692.* 

The grandfather of Mr. Bradstreet was a resident of Suffolk 
County, England, and possessed a fine estate. His father was a 
Nonconformist minis,ter in Lincolnshire County. 

Simon Bradstreet was born at Harbling, Lincolnshire, March, 
1603, died at Salem, Mass., March 27, 1697. 

In company with Winthrop, Dudley and others, he went on 
board the Arabella, March 29, 1630, and anchored June 12, near 
Naumkeak, now Salem. 

He was the first Secretary of the colony ; was Deputy-Governor 
from 1672 to 1679, ^vhen he was made Governor, and held the 
office until 1686. At this date, his nephew, Joseph Dudley, 
assumed power, and the government was changed, and the 
charter annulled. He opposed the arbitrary proceedings of 
Governor Andros. In 1689, he was again made Governor, and 
was continued in office until May, 1692, at the advanced age of 
eighty-nine years. At this point William Phips arrives from Eng- 
land with the new charter, which ai^points himself Governor and 
Mr. Bradstreet First Assistant. 

As early as 1643, ^^r. Bradstreet belonged to the Board of 
Commissioners of the united colonies. He rendered efficient 
service in this capacity in the year 1653, by opposing the other 
commissioners in the business of making war on the Dutch and 
Indians in New York ; the decision of the Massachusetts General 
Court making final the opinion of Mr. Bradstreet. With what 
religious caution and fear, he was wont to perform his work, the 

* " New England Historical and Genealogical Register ; " Hazard's " His- 
torical Collections." 

58 



SIMON BRADSTKEET. 



59 



following paper, referring to the above, signed by Mr. Bradstreet, 
gives evidence. 

.... " It is not the mind of our Council or General Court to oppose the 
determination of the Commissioners, further than they conceive the same to 
oppose the mind of God. And upon this account, I earnestly request that due 
regard may be had to the judgment and consciences of others pious and 
prudent, that are so deeply concerned herein. . . . And though at present, we 
cannot be all like-minded, that yet our Christian moderation may appear, as in 
other respects, so especially in reference to an offensive war with Indians or 
others ; till the mind of God do more fully appear. Remembering it will be 
no grief of heart to any of us, when we come to give up our accounts, that we 
have neither shed blood causelessly, nor drawn others to do it, upon grounds 
not clear to them, however possibly satisfactory to yourselves. 

" Simon Bradstreet." 

His Christian spirit is shown in the following extract of letter to 
Governor Winthrop, 

" Right Worthy Sir: 

" I received together with others, two letters from yourself concerning the 
French Affair. Had I not hoped that you should have received a final answer 
from us long before this, I should not have been so long silent, nor showed 
so much seeming neglect; but being now almost out of hope of accomplishing 
that which was intended, I thought meet to present you with these few lines. 
How unpleasing it was to me, to express myself by word or writing contrary 
to the apprehension of yourself and other friends, both godly and wise, whom 
I both love and honor, He that is the searcher of hearts knoweth ; and how 
far it was from my will or intent, when I set my hand to that letter you 
received, to cast any dishonor upon yourself or others, I hope in time you shall 
know and be fully persuaded of. ..." 

Referring to the witchcraft delusion in the early days of the 
government, a writer places Mr. Bradstreet " among the few men 
of understanding, judgment, and piety, that do utterly condemn 
the proceedings." 

He held offices of civil trust in one capacity or another sixty- 
two consecutive years, save the short administrations of Dudley 
and Andros ; a longer period of public work than has fallen to 
any other citizen since the foundation of the government. 

Mr. Bradstreet married in England for his first wife, Anne, 
daughter of Thomas Dudley. She married at the age of sixteen. 



6o AMERICAN CHR'ISTIAN RULERS. 

and accompanied her husband to New England, She wrote a 
volume of poems, " probably the earliest in America," a second 
edition of which was published in 1678, and a third edition in 1758. 
By her he had eight children. His second wife was the widow 
of Joseph Gardner. His son, Simon, graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege, and was ordained pastor of the church in New London, 
Conn., in 1670. His grandson, Simon, also graduated at Har- 
vard, and was ordained pastor of the church in Charlestown, 
Mass., in 1698. 

An account of the destruction of Schenectady, signed by Mr. 
Bradstreet, is given in New England Historical Register, volume 
II., p. 150. 



GEORGE NIXON BRIGGS. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1844-1851.* 

The grandmother of George N, Briggs was early left a widow, 
with four young sons, Oliver, Benjamin, Allen, and Elisha. She 
was a Quaker in religious belief. 

Allen Briggs, father of George N., was born in Cranston, 
R. I., September 7, 1756 ; and married Nancy Brown, a lady 
of Huguenot descent. George Nixon recorded the following 
concerning his father. " When a boy it was decided he should go 
from home to learn the cooper's trade. When he left, his mother 
went some part of the way with him, and when about to separate, 
they sat down on a rock by the wayside, where she gave him a 
mother's counsel. It seems he did not stay long with the cooper, 
for he learned the blacksmith's trade. He was a first-rate black- 
smith, and followed the business all his life, or as long as he was 
able to work. He had no early education, having never entered 
a school-house till after he was twenty-one years old, and then not 
as a scholar. His life was one of labor and toil. He was the 
father of twelve children, ten of whom reached maturity. In 
general information he was behind very few men belonging to his 
class of life in his day. I mean mechanics and farmers. He had 
a heart full of kindness, and an integrity worth more than the 
gold of California without it. In religious sentiments he was a 
Baptist." 

George Nixon Briggs was born at South Adams, Berkshire 
County, Mass., April 12, 1796, died at Pittsfield, September 12, 
1 86 1, from injuries received by the accidental discharge of a gun. 



*" Memoir of George N. Briggs," by William C. Richards ; "Memorial 
Biographies," New England Historical and Genealogical Society ; Boston J\<;- 
cordcr. 

61 



62 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

When he was seven years old the family removed from South 
Adams to Manchester, Vt., and in 1805 removed to White Creek, 
Washington County, N. Y. In the fourteenth year of his age a 
revival of religion occurred in the place, and George became the 
subject of personal religious experience. He engaged in the 
meetings, and his addresses elicited general approbation. He 
was baptized and received into the Baptist Church. 

With a Quaker named John Allen, he learned the hatter's 
trade. He then concluded to study a profession, and in 1813 in 
Wis eighteenth year went forth from his father's home, " with what 
few clothes he had tied up in a handkerchief." Looking into the 
face of his father just before leaving, " he saw the full round tears 
falling fast over it." After visiting his brother on the Hudson 
River, gaining some pecuniary assistance, he came into Berkshire 
County and made arrangements for beginning the study of law in 
the office of Ambrose Kasson, of Adams, " paying him for tuition, 
use of library, candles and fire-wood not less than thirty and not 
more than forty dollars per annum." In 1814 he removed to 
Lanesboro', " a town at that time very flourishing and noted for 
the intelligence of its citizens." Here he entered the office of 
Luther Washburn and earned money by copying wills, deeds, and 
other documents. 

"In 1817 his religious feelings were quickened by a revival of 
religion, in which he took a leading part, and which resulted in 
the establishment of a Baptist Church in Lanesboro'. The 
church consisted of twelve members at its organization, and one 
of these was a gay young girl, who subsequently became the wife 
of George's youth." 

In October, 1818, Mr. Briggs was admitted to the bar. In con- 
ducting his profession he was eminently a peacemaker. If he 
could prevail upon the party applying for counsel to look upon 
the other side of the case, and effect a settlement independent of 
the court he would do so. A single effort established his reputa- 
tion. He undertook the defence of an Indian charged with 
murder. Believing him innocent he summoned all his powers, 
and used his best eloquence. The Indian was convicted. Many 
years afterwards, it was proved that Mr. Briggs was right, and that 
" his client was hanged for a crime of which he was not guilty." 



GEORGE NIXON BRIGGS. 63 

Says the Hon. Increase Sumner, of Great Barrington : " Before 
the court his views were presented briefly, and' impressively. 
Fond as he was of relating anecdotes, as well for illustration as for 
pleasantry, he wholly abstained from them in his forensic efforts." 

Mr. Briggs was a Representative in Congress from 183 1 to 
1843, officiating during the Twenty-seventh Congress as Chairman 
of the Committee on the Post Office; from 1844 to 1851 was 
Governor of Massachusetts ; and from 1853 to 1859 he was Judge 
of the Court of Common Pleas. 

Of his setting out for Congress his daughter writes : " His first 
journey to Washington was commenced in the midst of one of the 
fiercest of the New England snow-storms. . . . The warm and 
covered stage-sleigh due at mid-day in the old Boro', on the route 
over the mountains from Greenfield to Albany, arrived this day at 
nightfall, coming through the trackless roads in a lumber-box 
open sleigh. How well I remember the dreary evening, and see 
again with childhood's eyes the large black trunk in the rear of 
the sleigh, and the muffled form of my father, sitting beside the 
driver, as they disappeared with the plunging horses in the blind- 
ing snow." 

With other Representatives, he objected to Congress doing 
work on the Sabbath. " On one occasion, of a Saturday night, 
business had gone on till twelve o'clock, and motion was made to 
adjourn. The yeas and nays were ordered. Mr. Adams being 
first called on refused to vote, on the ground that the House had 
no right to compel him to vote on the Sabbath, unless some 
public necessity required it. Mr. Briggs sustained Mr. Adams, 
and declined answering. When Mr. Wise of Virginia was called 
on he followed the example of the previous men." 

He gained the friendship of Southerners. " Several valuable 
canes were presented him by men whose States finally assumed a 
position against the Government." 

On the 6th of January, 1844, he reached Boston to assume his 
duties as Governor. He took up his quarters at the Marlboro' 
Hotel — a house distinguished for temperance principles, with 
morning and evening worship in the public parlor. The reporters 
made him the object of survey, and especially remarked his habit 
of wearing a black stock without a collar. 



64 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Speaking of his predecessor, and his appointments Mr. Briggs 
says : " Though I should have filled many, perhaps all of the 
places to which Governor Morton made appointments, with differ- 
ent men from those whom he appointed, still, as he did appoint 
them, so long as they do their duty well, I cannot remove them 
from office because they differ from me in politics." 

During his office as Governor, a case of grave and solemn char- 
acter came before him for decision. Professor Webster, the mur- 
derer of Dr. Parkman, in petitioning for pardon, closed with this 
sentence : " Repeating in the most positive and solemn manner, 
and under the fullest sense of my responsibility, as a man and as 
a Christian, that I am wholly innocent of this charge, to the truth 
of which the Searcher of all hearts is a witness, I would humbly 
and respectfully pray that the privilege I have asked may be 
granted." 

The refusal of the Governor to grant a pardon, found ample 
justification in the final confession of Mr. Webster. "All the 
proceedings in my case have been just. The court discharged 
their duty. The law officers of the commonwealth did their duty 
and no more ! The verdict of the jury was just ! The sentence 
of the court was just; and it is just that I should die on the scaf- 
fold, in accordance with that sentence." 

On the occasion of Edward Everett's becoming president of 
Harvard University, Governor Briggs gave an address and charge. 
'' Edward Everett, you having been duly elected President of 
Harvard College, in compliance with ancient custom, and in the 
name of the Overseers, I do now invest you with the government 
and authority of that institution, to be exercised in the same man- 
ner and to the same extent as has been heretofore done by your 
predecessors in ofiice. I deliver to you these keys, with these 
"books and papers, as badges of your authority, confident that you 
will exercise and administer the same according to the usages of 
the institution, and in obedience to the laws and constitution of 
the Commonwealth " 

At the close of his administration he writes : " In looking back 
upon the seven years that I have been Governor, I am not con- 
scious of doing any public act that 1 did not believe to be right, 
and for the best good of the state. If the Judge of all the earth 



GEORGE NIXON BKIGGS. 65 

approves my intentions, I know he will pardon my imperfec- 
tions." 

In the year 18 18, Mr. Briggs was united in marriage to Harriet, 
only daughter of Ezra and Triphena Hall, of Lanesboro'. 
His family correspondence is varied and interesting. 
From Washington, December 24, 1831, he writes: 

" Well, my dear little sons, George and Henry, it is now Saturday night, 
and I want to inquire of you both if you have been very good little boys 
through this week ? . . . Are you dutiful and affectionate t6 your mother, 
respectful and kind to your good grandmother ? Do you love one another and 
your dear sister ? How comes on that beautiful calf? Do you take good care 
of her this cold weather? I want to have you write me every Saturday night, 
so as to send by Wednesday's mail. What should you think to see little 
black girls carrying pails of water on their heads? The black women carry 
tubs of water on their heads, from the pumps, without touching them with their 
hands, and so they carry the baskets from market. Be very good boys " 

Near the close of a letter to his daughter dated at Pittsfield, he 
says : " I want to see all my children prospering in this world, 
but to see them Christiivis is my first great wish." 

His appreciation of the domestic relation, is revealed in the 
following passages. 

To his daughter, written from Boston : " Your mother was dear 
to me when a thoughtless boy, and when all around me was bright 
and gay ; but now when the frosts of age begin to chill the outer 
world and whiten the locks which were then glossy with youth, 
she is a thousand times more so." 

In a letter dated at Pittsfield : " Thirty years ago to-day, your 
mother and I, and a little daughter and only child, lived in a little 
green house in South Adams. It had three rooms, including the 
chamber; no cellar, no woodhouse. I paid thirty dollars rent for 
it. Our means were limited, and our wants very few. We were as 
happy, probably, as we have ever been." 

At an earlier date, he commends the industry and skill of Mrs. 

Briggs. 

" Lanesboro', October 5, 1833. 
"Dear Harriet: 

" Your mother took the first premium on the cloth at the fair (Berkshire 
Agricultural Cattle Show and Fair), which was an eight dollar set of tea- 
spoons. She has made a beautiful piece of cloth, one I shall feel proud to 
exhibit as a specimen of household industry and ingenuity. ..." 
5 



C)6 AMEklCAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Mr. Briggs was the friend of temperance. 

A National Temperance Convention was held at Saratoga in 
1836, and the total abstinence principle came under discussion. 
On the one side were Bishop Potter and other distinguished men ; 
others equally distinguished took the other side. Near the close 
of the second day's forenoon session of the convention, a middle- 
aged, plain looking man, wearing then, as ever, a simple black 
cravat without a collar, full-chested, and of a " ruddy counte- 
nance," arose in one corner, under the gallery of the old Presby- 
terian Church, and, first in plain, direct argument, then in 
impassioned and mighty appeal, bore down on the side of total 
abstinence from all that intoxicated, as the only safe and true 
ground for all the friends of temperance reform. Inquiry was 
alive at the close of the forenoon session as to who that plain, but 
powerful pleader for total abstinence was. "That," said Judge 
Culver, " is the member of Congress from the Berkshire District ; 
his name is Briggs — George N. Briggs." 

At a temperance gathering in the vicinity of Utica, Dr. Robin- 
son related, "One evening as he was walking the streets of Boston, 
he saw a drunken man lying on the sidewalk, and a man stooping 
over him in the act of befriending him. When he came up he saw 
it was Governor Briggs. They lifted him up, and the Governor 
under one arm, and himself under the other, they conveyed the 
man to a place of shelter, with a special charge from the Governor 
that he should have no liquor, and that he would call and see him 
in the morning. Mr. Robinson had curiosity to see the result 
and went to the place in the morning. There I found the chief 
magistrate, silting upon the side of the bed, by the side of the 
unfortunate man, with the temperance pledge in his hand, urging 
him to sign. He did sign, and that man reformed and became a 
useful man in society." 

Mr. Briggs was the friend of missions. 

The American Baptist Missionary Union held its thirty-sixth 
anniversary at Buffalo, N. Y., in May, 1850. As president of 
that body. Governor Briggs uttered the following to the mission- 
aries that were present. " You go on an embassy compared with 
which all the embassies of men dwindle into insignificance. You 
go forth as the ambassadors of Christ. You go to crumble idols 



GEORGE NIXON BRIGGS. 6/ 

— to convey light to benighted minds — to kindle love to God in 
the souls of ungodly men. Who can overestimate the qualifica- 
tions necessary for such a work ? . . . The fervent, effectual 
prayer shall ascend to the mercy-seat for you. You shall never 
see the day when your brethren who sent you out will turn their 
backs on you. But look higher. The Saviour has told you, * Lo, 
I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' 
That Almighty Friend will always be at your side to sustain 
you. . . ." 

President Hopkins thus speaks of Mr. Briggs as trustee of 
Williams College : " It was not merely his sound judgment and 
good business capacity that made him so welcome at the meetings 
of the board. He watched carefully the course of the business ; 
and at all its turning points gave his full attention, but when the 
stress was off there was a playfulness and an exuberance of the 
social nature, a genial humor, and an exhaustless fund of anec- 
dote, that gave a charm to his presence. He was peculiarly 
happy in those impromptu addresses so often called for at Com- 
mencement, during the progress of its various meetings and 
literary festivities. As impromptu, they were the more enjoyed ; 
but for humor, pathos, and high intellectual power, they must have 
been among his finest efforts." 

" My friend, the Baptists are the people of my choice, and 
I shall be but too happy to encourage and assist, if need be, 
the poor slave woman in her noble act of obedience to her 
Divine Master." Such was the language of Mr. Briggs to the in- 
dividual who uttered words of contempt about the Baptists, on 
seeing him on his way to witness the baptism of a colored 
woman. 

" Young men, unless he repented, he is sorrowful yet." Such 
was his language during a season of religious interest, when 
depicting the case of the young man, who, on learning from Jesus 
the terms of salvation, went away sorrowful. 

*' If I know anything, I knoiv I love C/in'stia?isy These were 
his words, when, on recovering from a season of sickness, he was 
for the time being overwhelmed with doubt, as to his acceptance 
by the Saviour." 

" William, are you a Christian ? " This was his inquiry to the 



68 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

hired man, during this same season of sickness, who had come in 
from the field to assist in raising him that his pillows might be 
adjusted, and who, having rendered the service, tenderly imprinted 
a kiss upon the white forehead. 

The pastor of Governor Briggs, Rev. Samuel Porter, D. D., thus 
speaks of him : . . . " He used to engage in all our devotional 
meetings, especially in those preparatory to the communion ; yet 
I never heard him pray in one of them. I used to be surprised at 
this, and sometimes spoke with him about it. 'I have no gift in 
prayer,' he would reply. Once, however, several members of our 
church went to visit our aged, poor, and blind brother Lewis. On 

this occasion, when called upon, he offered prayer His 

prayers were always very short, but every word and sentiment was 
prayer and worship, flowing in simple, earnest utterance. I well 
remember at a sunrise prayer-meeting, on New Year's morning in 
the old meeting-house in Pittsfield, Dr. Todd called upon him to 
pray. I remember the pathos of his tone, the solemn fervor a«d 
humility of his spirit. . . He had a winning way in leading his 
brethren up to difficult duties. A rich brother once seemed dis- 
inclined to give generously in an important emergency. The 
Governor said to him, ' It is hard giving till you get used to it. 
If anybody had told me twenty-five years ago that I should be 
giving $500 at a time to the church, I should not have believed 
him. But I have been educated up to it. Giving to the cause 
of Christ now comes very easy. You must be educated. The 
way is to keep giving. The more you do, the easier it will 
be.' " 

Governor Briggs' home, including some twenty acres of land, 
purchased in 1849, was situated about a mile west of the centre of 
Pittsfield. Strangers took delight in paying a short visit there, as 
".piloted over " by Rev. Dr. Todd. 

The children of George and Harriet Briggs were, Harriet Celes- 
tice, married Charles H. Bigelow ; George Patrick, graduated at 
Williams College, commenced the practice of law at Boston, sub- 
sequently entered into the wholesale paper trade at Lawrence, at 
his father's death returned to the homestead farm at Pittsfield ; 
married, first, Cornelia Gushing, second, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth 
Leland ; Henry Shaw, graduated at Williams College, entered 



GEORGE NIXON BRIGGS. 69 

upon the practice of law at Pittsfield, served in the War of the 
Rebellion as Captain, Colonel, and Brigadier-General, married 
Mary Elizabeth Talcott ; children, George N., Mary Talcott, 
Henry Allen, Cornelia Gushing. 



EDWARD BROMFIELD. 

MEMBER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, 1703-1728.* 

Mr. Bromfield was born in Hampshire, England, January lo, 
1648, was baptized on January i6, following; died in Boston, June 

2, 1734- 

He came to New England in 1675, and " finding this then very 
religious country agreeable to his pious genius, soon chose it 
for his own," engaging in merchandise. 

" In May, 1703, he was chosen a member of the Massachusetts 
Council, and from that time annually elected till 1728, when 
being in the eightieth year of his age, his growing infirmities 
released him from public business." 

" He joined the church of the reverend and famous Mr. 
Doolittle about the seventeenth year of his age, and soon after his 
arrival in this country, connected himself with the Old South 
Church, Boston, and was therein a distinguished ornament. 

" His heart was especially set for the propagation of the Gospel 
in ignorant places, supporting ministers of low salaries, maintain- 
ing charity schools for children, and helping poor and hopeful 
scholars to academical learning. 

" He turned the pasture behind his house into a very shady 
grove, and in the midst he built an oratory, where, even in his 
most flourishing circumstances and height of business, he would 
several times a day retire, that he might turn his eyes from 
beholding vanity. 

" His temper was very active, cheerful, open-hearted, free and 

* Whitman's " History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company ; " 
New England ybw;-«a// "Historical Collections of the American Colonial 
Church," Massachusetts. 

70 



EDWARD BROMFIELD.' 7 1 

liberal. He made every one always easy about him, unless he 
had to do with bold transgressors, and ther| he rather wished 
their reformation than their punishment. In the education of his 
children he was exceeding careful." 

Mr. Bromfield writes to his brother Thomas, from Boston, in 
New England, October 9, 1704, giving account of the work of 
" Society for the Propagation of Religion," 

" They have published and dispersed many books . . . 

" By such means they have handed unto many parts of the country, proper 
directions and encouragements for household piety. 

" They have sent to every town of the Provinces Treatises to animate the 
observation of the Lord's day. In a time of epidemical sickness, they have 
lodged a sheet of instructions for sick families in all the visited houses. 

" They have addressed the remoter ungospelized plantations with a printed 
sheet for their awakening out of their stupid condition. 

" They have conveyed unto such people among ourselves as frequently and 
profanely absent themselves from the public worship of God, a sheet of con- 
siderations to reclaim them from that profanity. 

" They have in another sheet acquainted every town in all these colonies with 
the present state of the church, that so the prayers and thoughts of godly men 
in these American regions may be quickened . . . . 

" They have attempted to send the notices of the true Christian protestant 
religion into the midst of the Spanish Nation, by a sheet which one of their 
number did in the Spanish language fit for that intent; because many French 
Roman Catholics came in their watch, especially by captives brought among us, 
they did in the French tongue, with a brief treatise prepared for that intent, 
lay the nets of salvation for them .... 

" May the God of Grace prosper all your and our Essays, thus to do what 
good we can, the little time we have to sojourn in an evil world. 

" I am, sir, your affectionate brother, 

"Edward Bromfield." 

Mr. Bromfield married the daughter of Rev. Mr. Danforth, of 
Roxbury. 



EDWARD BROMFIELD. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1739-1743.* 

Edward Bromfield, son of the preceding, born in 1695, "was 
a merchant in Boston, sustained several important trusts, and was 
a Representative in the General Court from 1739 to 1743." 

The grandmother of Mr. Bromfield was Mary, youngest daugh- 
ter of Rev. John Wilson, who was born in England, and became 
pastor of the first church in Boston. This lady married the Rev. 
Samuel Danforth, of Roxbury, and their eldest daughter was the 
mother of Mr. Bromfield. 

" By reason of the instructions, both of his mother and grand- 
mother, his mind in early life was deeply impressed by religious 
truth. He worshipped the Most High in his family ; with the 
humblest reverence he partook of the supper of his Lord and 
Master. Attached to the ancient principles of New England, he 
loved the most zealous and awakening ministers. In his inter- 
course with others, he was open, friendly, pleasant and remark- 
able for candor." 

His residence was on Beacon Street, a house of his own con- 
struction, and the first dwelling upon the street. 

His son, Edward Bromfield the third, was born 1723, graduated 
at Harvard College 1742, died 1746. Rev. Thomas Prince 
speaks of his genius and piety. " I see he has left in his study : 
maps oi the earth in its various projections, drawn with his pen in 
a most accurate manner, finer than I have ever seen the like from 
plates of copper ; a number of curious dials made with his own 
hands ; a number of optical and other mechanical instruments of 
his own inventing and making ; a number of vianuscripts contain- 

* " Discourse by Rev. Mr. Prince "; Boston Gazette ; " Panoplist," vol. 2. 

72 



EDWARD BROMFIELD. 73 

ing extracts from various authors, with his own pious meditations 
and self-reflections .... With his own hands he made a most 
accurate organ, with two rows of keys and several hundred pipes, 
his intention being twelve hundred, but died before he completed 
it. The workmanship of the keys and pipes, surprisingly nice 
and curious, exceeded anything of the kind that ever came from 
England. That his surprising talents would have been devoted 
to the glory of his Maker and the good of his fellow-men, had his 
life been prolonged, there is the best reason to believe." 

Another son, Henry Bromfield, became a merchant, and lived 
to the age of ninety-two. His daughter married Daniel D. Rogers, 
of Boston. 



ELEAZER BROOKS. 



MEMBER OF LEGISLATURE AND COUNCIL, MASSACHUSETTS, 1774- 

1801.* 

Eleazer Brooks, a descendant of Capt. Thomas Brooks, was 
born in Concord, Mass., in 1726, died at Lincoln, November 9, 
1806. 

Without early advantages, he acquired by reading and observa- 
tion a valuable fund of knowledge. He became a resident of 
Lincoln, was appointed Captain in the militia, attained the rank 
of Brigadier-General, and distinguished himself at the battle of 
White Plains. 

In 1774, he was chosen to represent his town in the General 
Court ; and for twenty-seven years in succession, he was either in 
the House of Representatives, in the Senate, or in the Governor's 
Council. 

" He was a person of great industry ; was slow in concerting, 
but expeditious in performing his plans ; and held a reputation 
for strict probity. He was, to crown the whole, a very devout, 
serious person ; a firm believer in the Scriptures, and the doc- 
trines of Christianity. He showed his desire to honor the blessed 
Jesus by accepting the office of a Deacon in the church of Christ, 
at an advanced stage of life. In Theology he was versed ; was 
acquainted with the different schools, and their points of contro- 
versy one with another. He held truth without persecuting error. 
Few men could more ably defend their own sentiments, or treat 
with more candor the arguments and opinions of others." 

* Drake's "Dictionary of American Biography;" Discourse by Rev. Charles 
Stearns, 1806. 



74 



JOHN BROOKS. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1816-1823.* 

John Brooks, son of Capt. Caleb Brooks, " a respectable 
independent farmer," was born in Medford, Mass., in 1752, died 
there March i, 1825. 

His early years were spent in the occupations of the farm, and 
study at the town school. At the age of fourteen he commenced 
the study of medicine under Dr. Tufts, of Medford, to whom he 
was apprenticed by a written indenture for seven years. For 
military exercises he displayed a taste and aptitude. He entered 
upon the practice of medicine in the town of Reading, and there 
commanded a company of minute-men. He engaged in different 
battles in the War of the Revolution, held the rank of Major, and 
of Lieutenant-Colonel, and after the war resumed his profession 
in the town of Medford. He served in the Massachusetts Senate, 
and was Governor of the State from 18 16 to 1823. 

The following is an extract from a proclamation by Governor 
Brooks, for a day of public thanksgiving and praise, on November 
28, 1816. 

" And while with one voice we reverently offer to the God of 
our fathers and the fountain of all good, the sacrifice of thanks- 
giving, may we be suitably affected with a consciousness of our 
own demerit ; and to an ingenuous confession of ingratitude to 
our Heavenly Benefactor, of listlessness to our duty, and frequent 
violations of it, let us add fervent and sincere, as well as united 
supplications to the Throne of Grace, for the remission of all 
our transgressions, upon the terms of the Gospel, as revealed and 

* Thacher's " Medical Biography ; " Lanman ; Columbian Sentinel, Boston, 
1825. 

75 



76 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

offered to us by Jesus Christ, who hath once appeared to put away 
sin by one offering, the sacrifice of himself. . . . That God will 
have mercy upon the poor and supply them with bread, giving 
them withal patience and resignation under the Divine allot- 
ments : That he will inspire the affluent with sentiments of 
benevolence and liberality : That he will grant to the Christian 
Church a succession of able and faithful teachers .... That he 
will bless the President" of the United States, guide the delibera- 
tions of the National and State Legislatures, and continue peace 
in our borders : . . . . That he will smile upon and render emi- 
nently useful our University and Colleges, bless our schools, and 
guide with tokens of his parental kindness, the rising generation." 

In the course of the last sickness of Mr. Brooks, on a Sabbath 
evening, he requested the attendance of his pastor, who records as 
follows : 

" The faculties of his mind were in full exercise. In reply to 
the satisfaction I expressed on seeing him, he said : ' I see noth- 
ing terrible in death .... I know in whom I have believed. 
... I look back upon my past life with humility. I am sensible 
of many imperfections. I know that the present is neither the 
season nor the place in which to begin preparation for death. 
. . . My own time of life is almost spent. What I have done is 
done. God has seen all and known all. To him I can appeal,, 
that it has been my humble endeavor to serve him in sincerity, 
and wherein I have failed in duty, I trust to his grace to forgive. 
I now rest my soul on the mercy of my adorable Creator, through 
the only mediation of his Son our Lord. What a ground of hope 
in that saying of an Apostle, " God in Christ, reconciling a guilty 
world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." 
After an interval, he continued : ' I know what it is to leave this 
world. How many have been the blessings I have enjoyed. 
What friends have I had, and what comforts in their friendship ! 
Yet all have I resigned. I now look only to the world before me, 
and soon I shall be there.' " 

Mr. Brooks, as a physician, ranked in the first class of practi- 
tioners, and in the duties of his office, was kind, patient and 
attentive. He was President of the Massachusetts Medical 
Society. 



JAMES BROOKS. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1849-1853, 1865-1873.* 

Mr. Brooks was born in Portland, Maine, November lo, 1810, 
died in Washington, April 30, 1873. 

His father, a sea captain, was lost at sea while James was yet a 
child, and the family were left without means. At eleven years of 
age he became a clerk in Lewiston, and his employer, noticing his 
abilities, offered to assist him in a course of study. He helped him- 
self to some extent by teaching school, and graduated at Water- 
ville College in 1831. He traveled South and wrote letters to the 
Northern journals ; also visited England, "traveled on foot over 
Great Britain and the continent," and wrote letters for the press 
descriptive of his travels. In 1836 he located in the city of New 
York, and established a daily edition of the New York Express. 

In 1847 he served as Representative in the New York Legisla- 
ture ; was Representative in Congress from 1849 to 1853; was 
elected to Congress again in 1865, and by repeated reelections 
served till 1873. 

Once more he engaged in foreign travel, and contributed letters 
to the Express, which he afterwards published in book form. 

He reveals his religious position in the following, which he 
writes concerning President Chaplin. " Dr. Chaplin was Presi- 
dent of Waterville College when I was a student there. ... It 
was impossible to hear him Sabbath after Sabbath, and not to 
have every irreligious or infidel suspicion driven from the 
mind. His discourses were as clear, as cogent, as irresistibly con- 
vincing, as problems in Euclid. He indulged in little or no 

* Appleton's "Cyclopcedia of American Biography ; " Sprague's " Annals of 
the American Pulpit." 

77 



78 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

ornament, but pursued one train of thought without deviation, to 
the end. I attribute to him more than to any one else the fixture 
in my own mind of religious truths, which no subsequent reading 
has ever been able to shake, and which have principally influ- 
enced my pen in treating of all political, legal, or moral subjects, 
the basis of which was in the principles of the Bible." 

Mr. Brooks married in 1841 Mrs. Mary Randolph, of Richmond, 
Va. Her three or four slaves he required her to manumit before 
the wedding. 

His brother Erastus joined with him in ownership and care of 
the Express, and acted as Washington correspondent of that 
paper during sixteen successive sessions of Congress. 



NICHOLAS BROWN. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN RHODE ISLAND LEGISLATURE.* 

Nicholas Brown, father of Nicholas, " was an eminent mer- 
chant of Providence, and a truly wise, benevolent, and pious 
man," He united with his brothers in founding Rhode Island 
College, since named Brown University. 

Nicholas Brown of the present sketch, was born in Providence, 
R. I., in 1769, died there in 1841. 

He graduated at Rhode Island College, at the age of seven- 
teen. 

At twenty-two, having inherited from his father's estate, he 
entered into partnership with Thomas P. Ives, who had married 
his only sister, and embarked heavily in foreign trade, continuing 
his commercial operations for more than forty years. 

" For many successive sessions, he occupied a seat in the 
legislative councils of Rhode Island." 

'* His charities were liberal. In behalf of Brown University, he 
erected at his own expense, Hope College, and Manning Hall, 
gave $5,000 for the establishment of a professorship, and $10,000 
towards the erection of Rhode Island Hall. And his gold was 
freely bestowed to aid the spread of the Gospel in heathen 
lands." 

Says the Providence Journal of Mr. Brown : " It is somewhat 
remarkable that he never made any public profession of that 
faith in Christ, which from the tenor of his life, was seen to be 
the animating motive of his conduct." 

Says President Wayland : " He was in earlj^ life deeply im- 

* Hunt's " Lives of American Merchants " ; Wayland's " Life and Character 
of Nicholas Brown." 

79 



8o AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

pressed with the importance of religion, and gave to it ever after- 
wards a most solemn and thoughtful attention. He was ardently 
attached to the doctrines of the Reformation, and studied them 
with earnestness and delight. His habitual companions were the 
works of President Edwards, of Owen, of Baxter and of Doddridge. 
He was a daily reader of the Holy Scriptures. Before the exist- 
ence of the American Tract Society, he had published at his own 
expense, some of the most impressive sermons of President 
Edwards, as well as some other small practical theological works 
for gratuitous distribution. From the commencement of that 
society, he was one of its firmest friends, and most liberal sup- 
porters. Although he was conscientiously a Baptist, his charities 
were rarely solicited in vain by Christians of other denominations. 
He exhibited an earnest reliance for salvation on the merits of 
the Redeemer." 

He was twice married : in 1791, to Anne, daughter of John 
Carter, Esq. ; in 1801, to Mary Bowen, daughter of Benjamin 
Steele, Esq. He left two children, both sons, and five grandchil- 
dren. 




-^^^^r^'^Z^'TPLC^ ^$/^^^>^^^;'^?^'<5^^"5^ 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1857-1861.* 

John Buchanan, grandfather of James, a Presbyterian, and by 
occupation a farmer, resided in the county of Donegal, Ireland. 
He married Jane, daughter of Samuel Russell, also a farmer of 
Scotch Presbyterian descent, in the same county. 

James Buchanan, father of James, emigrated from Ireland to 
the United States, in 1783, in the twenty-second year of his age; 
became an assistant in a store in Cumberland County, Pa., and at 
length established himself in mercantile business at Mercersburg, 
He married Elizabeth, only daughter of James Speer, and they 
had eleven children. James, the son, thus speaks of his father 
and mother. " My father was a man of practical judgment, and 
of great industry. He was a kind father, a sincere friend, and 
an honest and religious man. My mother was fond of poetry, 
and could repeat passages from her favorite authors, Milton, 
Pope, Young, Cowper and Thomson. She was a sincere and 
devoted Christian, and had read much on the subject of theology. 
For her sons she was a delightful companion. I have often dur- 
ing the vacation at school or college, sat in the room with her, and 
whilst she was busily engaged in homely domestic employments, 
have spent hours pleasantly and instructively conversing with her." 

James Buchanan was born at Stony Batter, Franklin County, 
Pa., April 22, 1791 ; died at Lancaster, June i, 1868. 

He entered the junior class of Dickinson College in 1807, 
graduated in 1809, studied law in the office of James Hopkins of 
Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 1812. 

* " Life of James Buchanan," by George Ticknor Curtis. Harper & Broth- 
ers, 1883. 

6 81 



82 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

In 1814 he was elected to the State Legislature ; in 182 1 was 
elected a Representative in Congress, continuing until 183 1 ; in 
1832 was appointed Minister to Russia ; in 1834, was elected to 
the Senate of the United States ; was re-elected in 1837, and 
again in 1843; i'^ ^^45 resigned his seat in the Senate, and be- 
came Secretary of State under President Polk, At the close of that 
administration, he retired to his residence at " Wheatland," near 
Lancaster ; and in 1853, accepted the appointment of Minister to 
the Court of St, James. He returned home in 1856, and in 
November of that year was elected President of the United 
States. 

The distinguishing event in Mr. Buchanan's administration, was 
the breaking out of the Civil War. It is evident that he was not 
a willing actor towards this event, and that his official work was 
conscientiously performed. 

He did not seek the Presidency, While Minister to Great 
Britain, in a letter to his niece, Miss Lane, February 22, 1856, he 
writes : " I receive letters from home, some of which say with ref- 
erence to the Presidency, ' come home immediately,' and others, 
* stay away awhile longer.' I shall not regulate my conduct with 
any view to this office. If it be the will of Providence to bestow 
upon me the Presidency, I shall accept it as a duty, a burden and 
a trial, and not otherwise. I shall take no steps to obtain it." 
June 16, 1856, in answer to the committee informing him of his 
nomination, he writes : " Deeply sensible of the vast and varied 
responsibility attached to the station, especially at the present 
crisis in our affairs, I have carefully refrained from seeking the 
nomination, either by word or by deed." 

In his inaugural address of March 4, 1857, he says : " In enter- 
ing upon this great office, I most humbly invoke the God of our 
fathers for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and respon- 
sible duties in such a manner as to restore harmony and ancient 
friendship among the people of the several States." 

Promptly on the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, 
for the term beginning March 4, 1861, steps were taken toward 
the secession of South Carolina. Mr. Buchanan in preparing his 
annual message for Congress, wrote to the Attorney-General, Mr. 
Black, on November 17, i860, requesting an official answer to cer- 



JAMES BUCHANAN. ^^ 

tain questions ; for instance : " What is the extent of my official 
power to collect the duties on imports at a port where the revenue 
laws are resisted by a force which drives the collector from the 
custom-house ? " " What are the legal means at my disposal for 
executing those laws of the United States which are usually 
administered through the courts and their officers ?" 

He recommends a day of fasting and prayer. " Numerous 
appeals have been made to me by pious and patriotic associations 
and citizens, .... to recommend that a day be set apart for 
humiliation, fasting and prayer throughout the Union. ... I des- 
ignate Friday, the fourth day of January, 1861, for this purpose. . 
... In this, the hour of our calamity and peril, to whom shall 
we resort for relief but to the God of our fathers ? . . . . Let us, 
then, with deep contrition and penitent sorrow, unite in humbling 
ourselves before the Most High, in confessing our individual and 
national sins, and in acknowledging the justness of our punish- 
ment. . . . An Omnipotent Providence may overrule existing 
evils for permanent good. He can make the wrath of man to 
praise him, and the remainder of wrath he can restrain." .... 

At the important moment in the afifairs of the Rebellion, Mr. 
Buchanan sends the Hon. Caleb Gushing to Gharleston, with a 
letter to Governor Pickens, with the hope of averting if possible, 
the troubles of secession. 

Mr. Cass, in a formal communication to the President, dated 
December 12, i860, resigns the office of Secretary of State, and 
Mr. Buchanan in his reply says : " After we had passed through 
nearly the whole term of the administration with mutual and cor- 
dial friendship and regard, I had cherished the earnest hope that 
nothing might occur to disturb our official relations until its end. . 
. . The question on which we unfortunately differ, is that of 
ordering a detachment of the army and navy to Charleston. 
Believing as I do, that no present necessity exists for a resort to 
force for the protection of the public property, it was impossible 
for me to have risked a collision of arms, in the harbor of Charles- 
ton, and thereby defeated the reasonable hope which I cherish of 
the final triumph of the Constitution and of the Union." 

In a confidential letter to a gentleman in New York, he writes 
on the 2oih of December, i860: "I have never enjoyed better 



82 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

In 1814 he was elected to the State Legislature ; in 182 1 was 
elected a Representative in Congress, continuing until 183 1 ; in 
1832 was appointed Minister to Russia ; in 1834, was elected to 
the Senate of the United States ; was re-elected in 1837, and 
again in 1843; i" 1S45 resigned his seat in the Senate, and be- 
came Secretary of State under President Polk, At the close of that 
administration, he retired to his residence at " Wheatland," near 
Lancaster ; and in 1853, accepted the appointment of Minister to 
the Court of St. James. He returned home in 1856, and in 
November of that year was elected President of the United 
States. 

The distinguishing event in Mr. Buchanan's administration, was 
the breaking out of the Civil War. It is evident that he was not 
a willing actor towards this event, and that his official work was 
conscientiously performed. 

He did not seek the Presidency. While Minister to Great 
Britain, in a letter to his niece. Miss Lane, February 22, 1856, he 
writes : " I receive letters from home, some of which say with ref- 
erence to the Presidency, ' come home immediately,' and others, 
* stay away awhile longer.' I shall not regulate my conduct with 
any view to this office. If it be the will of Providence to bestow 
upon me the Presidency, I shall accept it as a duty, a burden and 
a trial, and not otherwise. I shall take no steps to obtain it." 
June 16, 1856, in answer to the committee informing him of his 
nomination, he writes : " Deeply sensible of the vast and varied 
responsibility attached to the station, especially at the present 
crisis in our affairs, I have carefully refrained from seeking the 
nomination, either by word or by deed." 

In his inaugural address of March 4, 1857, he says : " In enter- 
ing upon this great office, I most humbly invoke the God of our 
fathers for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and respon- 
sible duties in such a manner as to restore harmony and ancient 
friendship among the people of the several States." 

Promptly on the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, 
for the term beginning March 4, 1861, steps were taken toward 
the secession of South Carolina. Mr. Buchanan in preparing his 
annual message for Congress, wrote to the Attorney-General, Mr. 
Black, on November 17, i860, requesting an official answer to cer- 



JAMES BUCHANAN. ^7, 

tain questions ; for instance : " What is the extent of my official 
power to collect the duties on imports at a port where the revenue 
laws are resisted by a force which drives the collector from the 
custom-house ? " " What are the legal means at my disposal for 
executing those laws of the United States which are usually 
administered through the courts and their officers ?" 

He recommends a day of fasting and prayer. " Numerous 
appeals have been made to me by pious and patriotic associations 
and citizens, .... to recommend that a day be set apart for 
humiliation, fasting and pi-ayer throughout the Union. ... I des- 
ignate Friday, the fourth day of January, 1861, for this purpose. . 
... In this, the hour of our calamity and peril, to whom shall 
we resort for relief but to the God of our fathers.-' .... Let us, 
then, with deep contrition and penitent sorrow, unite in humbling 
ourselves before the Most High, in confessing our individual and 
national sins, and in acknowledging the justness of our punish- 
ment. . . . An Omnipotent Providence may overrule existing 
evils for permanent good. He can make the wrath of man to 
praise him, and the remainder of wrath he can restrain." .... 

At the important moment in the affairs of the Rebellion, Mr. 
Buchanan sends the Hon. Caleb Gushing to Gharleston, with a 
letter to Governor Pickens, with the hope of averting if possible, 
the troubles of secession. 

Mr, Cass, in a formal communication to the President, dated 
December 12, i860, resigns the office of Secretary of State, and 
Mr. Buchanan in his reply says : " After we had passed through 
nearly the whole term of the administration with mutual and cor- 
dial friendship and regard, I had cherished the earnest hope that 
nothing might occur to disturb our official relations until its end. . 
. . The question on which we unfortunately differ, is that of 
ordering a detachment of the army and navy to Charleston. 
Believing as I do, that no present necessity exists for a resort to 
force for the protection of the public property, it was impossible 
for me to have risked a collision of arms, in the harbor of Charles- 
ton, and thereby defeated the reasonable hope which I cherish of 
the final triumph of the Constitution and of the Union." 

In a confidential letter to a gentleman in New York, he writes 
on the 20th of December, i860: "I have never enjoyed better 



86 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

atonement through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. He 
then began to question me, as closely as a lawyer would question 
a witness, upon all the points connected with regeneration, atone- 
ment, repentance and faith. What surprised me was that his 
questions were not so much of a doctrinal as of an experimental 
character. He seemed anxious to understand how a man might 
know that he was a Christian, and what conscious experiences 
entered into the exercises of repentance and faith. . . . He put 
himself in the position of a little child, and asked question! in 
the simplest manner. Sometimes he asked me to go over an 
explanation a second time, as if he wished to fix it upon his 
memory. . . . 

" After the more experimental points had been disposed of, he 
asked a few purely doctrinal questions, the answers to which he 
received without any disposition to enter upon a discussion. At 
the close of the conversation, he asked particularly what were the 
conditions of membership in the Presbyterian Church, and what 
were the points upon which an applicant for admission would be 
examined. The conversation lasted, probably, from two to three 
hours. After sitting quiet for a few minutes, he said, * Well, sir, I 
thank you. My mind is now made up. I hope that I am a 
Christian. I think I have much of the experience which you 
describe, and, as soon as I retire from my ofiice as President, I 
will unite with the Presbyterian Church.' To this, I replied, 
' Why not 7iow, Mr. President ? God's invitation is 7iow, and you 
should not say to-morrow.'' To this he answered with deep feel- 
ing, and with a strong gesture, ' I must delay for the honor of 
religion. If I were to unite with the church 7iow, they would say 
hypocrite from Maine to Georgia.' 

" I felt the truth of his answer, and did not continue my urgency. 
... I did not agree with him in politics, or feel any sympathy 
with his public career ; but I think he is entitled to this testimony 
from one who was placed in circumstances to judge fairly of the 
reality of his religious convictions. The purpose which he ex- 
pressed to me of uniting with the church was fulfilled. He con- 
nected himself with the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Pa., 
immediately after his retirement from the Presidential chair." 

Referring again to his correspondence : 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 8/ 

Writing from Wheatland, February lo, 1862, to Mr. King, in 
the matter of dancing, Mr. Buchanan says : " I thank you for the 
extract from the Star, containing an account of Mrs, Lincoln's 
party. I am glad there was no dancing. I had refused this, even 
on the carpet, to the earnest request of the Prince of Wales. 
The reasons are obvious why balls should not be given in the 
White House." [Exact justice requires the statement, that on 
another occasion his example favored dancing.] 

He writes to his niece on different occasions and upon different 
matters. 

From London : " I appeared at the levee [Buckingham Pal- 
ace] on Wednesday last, in just such a dress as I have worn at 
the President's one hundred times. A black coat, white waistcoat 
and cravat and black pantaloons and dress boots, with the addi- 
tion of a very plain black-handled and black-hilted sword. . • ." 

From Wheatland : " Keep your eyes about you in the gay 
scenes through which you are destined to pass. ... Be on your 
guard against flattery ; and should you receive it, ' let it pass into 
one ear gracefully and out at the other.' Many a clever girl has 
been spoiled for the useful purposes of life, and rendered unhappy 
by a winter's gayety in Washington." 

While she is at Pittsburg : " Do not for a moment believe 
that any hearts will be broken, even if you should fail to pay all 
the visits to families where you are invited." 

. To the same in her matrimonial matters : " I desire that you 
shall exercise your own deliberate judgment in the choice of a hus- 
band. View steadily all the consequences, ask the guidance of 
Heaven, and make up your own mind, and I shall be satisfied. 
A competent independence is a good thing, if it can be obtained 
with proper affection ; though I should not care' for fortune pro- 
vided the man of your choice was in a thriving and profitable 
business and possessed a high and fair character." 

Mr. Buchanan purchased in 1848 the home known as " Wheat- 
land," a brick mansion with twenty-two acres, near the city of 
Lancaster. 

In personal appearance he was tall, and broad shouldered. He 
wore no beard ; had a massive forehead, blue eyes, clear com- 
plexion, and well-defined features. He was never married. 



88 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

His will contained the following bequests and provisions : — To 
the poor of Lancaster City, $2,000, in addition to $4,000 pre- 
viously given ; to the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, $1,000; 
to his housekeeper, $2,000, and $200 worth of plate and furniture 
in addition to $2,000 previously given ; to three of his servants, 
$100 each; and the residue of his estate to be divided among his 
relatives — brother, sister, nephews and nieces. One thousand 
dollars was appropriated to pay the expenses of the publication of 
his memoirs ; and $5,000 was given to the wife of the author of 
the memoir, — Wm. B. Reed, to whom all the private papers were 
submitted. The entire estate was estimated at $^00,000. 




(y^} Muc^^4u4^ 




WILLIAM ALFRED BUCKINGHAM. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1858-1865.* 

Rev. Thomas Buckingham, of Saybrook, early ancestor of 
William Alfred, married in 1666, Hester Hosmer, of Hartford. 
For nearly tw0 centuries and a half through which the record 
runs, the ancestors of Mr. Buckingham were men of piety, in- 
telligence and influence. His father was a farmer, careful and 
exact in business, of benevolent and sympathetic nature, and 
rigid in his ideas of personal duty. 

William A. Buckingham, the second of six children, was born 
in Lebanon, Conn., May 28, 1804; died at Norwich, February 5, 

1875. 

In his youth, he studied at the academy in Lebanon, at the 
Bacon Academy at Colchester, and labored upon the farm. 

He taught a district school at Lyme a single winter when 
eighteen years of age. When twenty years of age, he entered a 
dry goods house in Norwich, as clerk, and after two years experi- 
ence there, and a few months service in a wholesale house in New 
York, opened a dry goods store in Norwich. In 1830, he began 
the manufacture of ingrain carpets, and continued the business 
for eighteen years. In 1848, he relinquished both these occupa- 
tions, and engaged in the manufacture of India rubber goods. 

He was elected Mayor of Norwich in 1849, 1850, 1856 and 1857, 
was elected Governor of Connecticut in 1858, annually re-elected 
for seven successive years, and was a Senator in Congress from 
1869 to 1875. 

" Mr. Buckingham became a communicant in the Second Con- 

* '* History of Norwich " ; President Porter, of Yale College, in " New Eng- 
land Historical Register." 



90 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

gregational Church of Norwich in the year 1830, and in 1842 was 
prominent in the organization of a new church, of which he was a 
deacon. In public and private he was pronounced in the avowal 
of his Christian faith, and fervent and decided in the expression of 
Christian feeling. The prayers which hallowed his home and 
edified many Christian assemblies, could not soon be forgotten by 
those who heard them. His benevolent contributions were sys- 
tematic and liberal. He made handsome gifts to Yale College, 
especially to the Theological department. Toward the poor he 
was tender-hearted, giving with wise discretion, and a delicate 
regard to the feelings of those whom he helped. He was a 
Sunday-school teacher for the last thirty-seven years of his life, 
excepting four years during the war. In principle and in prac- 
tice, he was a friend of temperance." 

The following reveals President Lincoln's estimate of Mr. 
Buckingham : *' As a gentleman entering the executive office, 
introduced himself as from Connecticut, Mr. Lincoln rose from 
his chair, and placing his hand impressively upon the visitor's 
shoulder exclaimed : ' From Connecticut ? Do you know what a 
good Governor you have got ? ' " 

Mr. Buckingham was united in marriage September 27, 1830, 
to Eliza, daughter of Dr. Dwight Ripley, of Norwich. His only 
son, William Ripley, died in early childhood, and his daughter, 
Eliza Coit, became the wife of William A. Aiken. His brother 
Samuel was settled in the ministry at Springfield, Mass. 



JACOB BURNET. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1829-183I.* 

ICHABOD BURNET, grandfather of Jacob, was a iiative of Scot- 
land, educated at Edinburgh, removed to America soon after his 
education was finished, and settled at Elizabethtown, N. J., 
where he practiced his profession with great success as a 
physician and surgeon, until his death in 1773, at the age ot 

"wmiir Burnet, father of Jacob, graduated at the College of 
New Jersey in the second class that graduated at the institution, 
1740 and studied medicine with Dr. Staats, of New York. 

He was elected member of the Continental Congress m 
the fall of 1776. Early in the session, Congress divided the 
thirteen States into three military districts and Dr. Burnet was 
appointed Physician and Surgeon-General of the Eastern Dis- 
trict He accordingly resigned his seat in Congress, and entered 
upon his office, holding the appointment to the close of the war 
in 1783. He then returned to his family, and devoted himself 
to acxricultural pursuits. Soon after he was appointed presiding 
judge of the Court of Common Pleas, by the Legislature of New 
Jersey, and was also elected President of the State Medical 
Society. Being a fine classical scholar, on taking the chair he 
read an elaborate essay in Latin, on the proper use of the 
lancet in pleuritic cases. He was an elder in the First Presby- 
terian Church of Newark. His subscription to the First Church 
Building Fund was ;^ioo. 

*" Biographical Encyclopaedia," of Ohio; Alexander's" Princeton Graduates 
of the Eighteenth Century"; Atkinson's " History of Newark " ; Stearns 
First Church, Newark ; Discourse by Rev. Samuel W. Fisher, D.D. 

91 



92 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



Jacob Burnet, subject of this sketch, was born in Newark, N. 
J., February 22, 1770, died at Cincinnati, O., May 10, 1853. 
Graduating at Princeton College in September, 1791, he studied 
law for one year in the office of Richard Stockton, and afterwards 
with Elisha Boudinot. He was admitted to the bar in 1796, 
removed to Cincinnati, O., and there entered upon his profession. 
" In these early times, he was accustomed to travel on horseback 
from court to court, carrying his blanket and provisions, and at 
night camping in the woods, there being neither tavern, bridge, 
ferry, nor even road in his route." 

He served in the State Legislature, in 182 1, was subse- 
quently appointed one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Ohio, 
and resigned the position in December, 1828. Immediately after- 
wards he was elected to the Senate of the United States, to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of General Harrison, 
and served until 183 1. 

The following incident is recorded, referring to Mr. Burnet's 
game at cards in his early manhood. 

"While in company with a number of the officers of the army, 
cards were introduced, and he was invited to join. He declined 
at first, stating that he did not play ; that in fact he did not know 
one card from another. They volunteered to teach him. Yield- 
inw to their solicitations he sat down to a card table. He soon 
mastered the game, and before he was aware of it, became 
deeply interested in play. Money was staked, lost and won. 
When the morning dawned, and the card-party -broke up, he 
found himself the winner of a considerable sum. No sooner, 
however, had jie risen from the table, than reflection came, and 
wath it astonishment at the terrible power of an excitement that 
had so suddenly mastered his deepest convictions and well-settled 
principles. He refused to take the sum he had won. That was 
his first and last game at cards — his first and last experiment in 
gambling." 

Rev. Dr. Fisher speaks as follows of the religious character of 
Mr. Burnet : 

"No sooner had he a home of his own, than he welcomed to 
that home the ministers of Christ. The Second Presbyterian 
Church of Cincinnati was organized in his house ; for years the 



JACOB BURNET. 93 

meetings for social prayer were attended there more frequently 
than elsewhere, and usually he was himself present. To see this 
man at the age of fourscore, refusing the aid of a carriage, yet 
always present at Divine Service, morning and afternoon, the 
whole year round when not absent from the city, was a living 
sermon, an encouragement to all who loved the sanctuary. 

" It would be a crowning excellence of this long and worthily 
distinguished life, could it be said that in early life he publicly 
professed his faith in connection with the church of Christ — that 
ever since he had fulfilled the duties and borne the responsibilities 
of a Christian. But this cannot be said. What then can be said 
to warrant the assurance that he submitted his heart to the hum- 
bling truths of the Gospel ? A few months before his death in 
several conversations he unfolded to me the state of his feelings. 
He stated that although he had for many years endeavored to 
have a conscience void of offence toward all men, he felt himself 
to be a sinner, in himself, wholly unworthy the divine favor, and 
as a sinner, he rested his hopes only on the merits of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. He stated that he had for years a critical difficulty 
in respect to the institution of the Lord's Supper ; on which, how- 
ever, as he differed from the church generally, and might be in 
error, he had kept silence; that had he entertained the usual 
views of that ordinance, he never would have thus delayed to 
become a communicant." 

Mr. Burnet published in 1847 a work entitled, " Notes on the 
Early Settlement of the Northwestern Territory." 

He was married January 2, 1800, at Marietta, O., to Rebeccn, 
daughter of Rev. Matthew Wallace, a Presbyterian clergyman ; 
with whom he lived in wedlock fifty-three years, and by whom he 
had eleven children. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BUTLER. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, 1833-1838.* 

Jonathan Butler, great-grandfather of Benjamin F,, was of 
Irish descent, and settled in Connecticut about the year 17 lo. 
His son Ezekiel married Mabel Jones, descendant of John Jones 
and Catherine, sister of Oliver Cromwell. 

Medad Butler, father of Benjamin F,, a native of Branford, 
Conn., served an apprenticeship in New Haven to a scythe- 
maker; emigrated in 1787 to the State of New York, and estab- 
lished himself as a merchant at Kinderhook Landing. The 
common school system went into operation in 1813, and for some 
years previous Mr. Butler maintained in Kinderhook a New 
England teacher, paying the bills, and taking upon himself the 
risk of collecting. He became a member of the State Legisla- 
ture, and for a number of years was one of the Judges for Colum- 
bia County. 

Benjamin Franklin Butler was born in Kinderhook, December 
14, 1795, died at Paris, France, in 1858. In his boyhood he 
assisted in his father's store, and in the forwarding business as 
connected with his Hudson River sloops. In the rnean time he 
attended school more or less. In 181 1, he began the study of 
law at Hudson, in the office of Martin Van Buren, devoted his 
spare time to general reading and literature, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1817. 

In 1822 he was appointed District Attorney for the city and 
county of Albany ; in 1824, was chosen one of three lawyers to 
revise the laws of New York ; in 1827, was elected to the State 
Legislature ; in 1829, was chosen a Regent of the New York 

* "Democratic Review," v. 5, 1839; Lanman ; Addresses by Revs. Sprague, 
Bethune, and Adams, published by D. Appleton & Co. 

94 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BUTLER. 95 

University, and resigned the position in 1832 ; in 1833, became a 
member of President Jackson's Cabinet as Attorney-General of 
the United States, and continued the office one year with Presi- 
dent Van Buren. 

On the occasion of his leaving Albany to assume the office of 
Attorney-General at the seat of Government, citizens of the city 
addressed to him the following letter. 

" Albany, November 26, 1833. 
"Sir: 

" Your friends and fellow-citizens have heard with much concern, that 
you are about to leave a city in which you have resided many years, and in 
which you commenced an honorable career of professional distinction and 
public service, to fill a highly important oiifice in the General Government. 
We cannot suffer you to depart from us, without expressing to you our high 
estimation of your character and talents, and our regret for the loss of our 
personal intercourse with you, and your valuable services in our benevolent 
institutions, and in relation to the interests of our city and the State. ..." 

Notwithstanding the cares of public life, he made proficiency 
in the Italian, German, French and Spanish languages ; in the 
last named after holding the office of Attorney-General. The 
degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by Union College and 
by Williams College ; that of LL. D. by Rutgers College. 

He sailed for Europe, accompanied by his two daughters, in the 
autumn of 1858, but did not live to return. In a letter dated 
November 4, he says : " I cannot tell you, if I had the physical 
strength, which I have not, of the delights of our forty hours 
at Rouen. But the sight-seeing, though intensely interesting, 
proved too much for me, and I was consequently brought to Paris 
an invalid. I am in good hands and decidedly convalescent." 

Mr. Butler was a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, 
having united by profession in the year 1817. The causes of 
moral and religious philanthropy engaged his attention ; — of the 
temperance reformation, he was from the first a warm advocate. 

Says the Rev. Dr. Sprague, of Albany : " He was not afraid 
to stand forth as a witness for Christ. At the weekly prayer 
meetings of the church, he considered it a privilege to be present 
as often as his engagements would allow. In his family he was 
a model of conjugal and parental fidelity • and the last time I saw 



96 AMERICAN- CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

him, he told me that God's covenant faithfulness had been mani- 
fest towards him by bringing every one of his dear children to the 
cross." 

Says the Rev. Dr. Bethune : " At Washington, when he was 
Attorney-General, he did me the kindness of calling to see me on 
Saturday. * To-morrow,' he said, ' is the Sabbath ; it will be 
more pleasant for you to be with friends than in a public house ; 
come and dine with us.' . . He took me [after dinner] to a dis- 
tant part of Washington, into the gallery of a church, and there 
introduced me to some six or seven boys, his Sunday-school class. 
It struck me as a fine spectacle of christian consistency, the first 
law-officer of the United States, delighting to hide himself from all 
his honors upon God's holy day, to lead a few boys near to Christ." 

Among the expressions of confidence and hope during the last 
sickness of Mr. Butler, are the following. Rev. Dr. Adams being 
the authority. 

" And now I shall not venture to change a single word of that 
which I am permitted to read to you. 

" ' I am all ready, and prepared to go, if it is God's will. I have 
given Mr. B. my last wishes. I feel like Pilgrim in the waters ; 
all is right, body and soul, body and soul.' 

" At an6ther time : 

" ' I am a sinner, oh how great ! But my sin can be cleansed. I 
have a Saviour, Jesus Christ the righteous. Oh, precious 
Saviour ! Oh, Mighty Lord ! If we say we have no sin, we 
j deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our 
/sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse 
us from all unrighteousness.' 

" Again : 

" ' I have peace, perfect peace ^ with emphasis ; and then repeated 
the text : ' Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is 
stayed on thee.' 

*' On Monday, November 8, he gradually became unconscious ; 
during the morning however, he recognized both his daughters 
with expressions of the greatest affection, and several times 
repeated the words : * I die a happy man ; I die a happy man.' " 

Mr. Butler married in 18 18 a sister of Lieutenant Allen, of the 
navy. 



GEORGE CABOT. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1791-1796.* 

George Cabot was born in Salem, Mass., in 1752, died 
in Boston, April 18, 1823. 

At an early age he went to sea, was promoted in command^ 
and made voyages to distant lands as a ship-master. 

Before he was twenty-six years of age, he was chosen to the 
Provincial Congress, which met at Concord with the project of 
ordaining a maximum of prices, at a time, when our commerce 
being cut off, men hoped that they could cheapen commodities 
by forcing the holders to sell at reduced and fixed rates. Mr. 
Cabot there displayed that acquaintance with the principles of 
political economy, which gave him eminence above the men of 
his time. 

Shortly after the adoption of the Federal Constitution, he was 
induced by a sense of public duty, and against his inclination, 
to accept the office of United States Senator. In that office 
he not only possessed the confidence of the Senate, but was a 
confidential friend of Washington and of Hamilton. Upon his 
commercial knowledge, and profound views of finance and of 
political economy. General Hamilton reposed the most unlimited 
confidence. If there be any merit in our financial system 
reported by Hamilton, and preserved through all the changes of 
parties, Mr. Cabot is entitled to a large share of that merit. 

He maintained a wise and careful self-government, disclaiming 
the bondage of sense ; in pleasures, regarding the boundaries pre- 
scribed by nature, by health and by duty. He was a conspicuous 

* Boston Daily Advertiser, April 22, 1823 ; " Discourse," by Rev. John T. 
Kirkland, D. D. 

7 97 



98 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

instance of gentleness to the faults and weaknesses of others, 
united with depth of principle, and entire independence and 
frankness. He was equitable and candid in his judgment of men, 
whilst he estimated their characters with exact discrimination. 
For forty years, he was the wise, cool, considerate counsellor. 

" He was a sincere and devout Christian, and was a member of 
the church under the care successively of Kirkland, Thatcher, and 
Greenwood. He viewed the great fundamental principles of 
Christianity, as entirely adapted to the nature and state of man, 
the surest basis of morals, and the chief source of consolation." 

A son and daughter survived him ; the latter became the wife of 
Rev. Dr. Kirkland. 

Cabotville, Mass., was named from Mr. Cabot. 



JOHN CARVER. 

GOVERNOR OF PLYMOUTH COLONY, 1620-1621.* 

John Carver, a native of England, died at Plymouth, Mass., 
April, 162 1. 

During the reign of King James, certain ones of the established 
Episcopal church became restless for larger religious freedom. 
Rev. John Robinson was among the dissatisfied. He and as 
many of his congregation as found it in their power, left England 
in 1607, and settled in Amsterdam, whence in 1609 they removed 
to Leyden. 

Mr. Carver possessed a good estate in England, a large pro- 
portion of which was spent in removal, first to Holland, then to 
America. In Holland he was connected with the church under 
Mr. Robinson's care, and held the office of Deacon. 

When the time came for the Pilgrims to seek a new and perma- 
nent home, the church under Mr. Robinson employed Deacon 
John Carver and Mr. Robert Cushman as their agents to London 
to obtain a grant of territory for settlement on American soil. 
Their mission secured the promise of a patent. " When the 
agents returned and made their report, a day of humiliation, 
thanksgiving, and prayer was observed, in reference to the inter- 
esting circumstances in which they were placed." 

Mr. Carver was the first signer of the compact on board the 
Mayflower, in the harbor of Cape Cod. The harbor being with- 
out the territory of the North Virginia Company, and the charter 
which they held thereby becoming null and void, opportunity was 

* Moore's " Governors of New Plymouth " ; " New England's Memorial," by 
Morton ; Young's " Chronicles of the Pilgrims " ; Belknap's " American 
Biography." 

99 



lOO AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

open for any restless spirits that might be on board, to awake 
faction and disturbance. It was thought prudent to establish a 
simple and effective form of government, and the following was 
their compact. 

" In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal 
subjects of our dread sovereign lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of 
Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., having 
undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and 
honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the north- 
ern part of Virginia, do, by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the pres- 
ence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a 
civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of 
the ends aforesaid, and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such 
just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to 
time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the 
colony ; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. 

" In witness whereof, we have hereunder subscribed our names, at Cape Cod, 
the nth of November, a. d. 1620." 

The compact being settled, " the}^ chose Mr. John Carver, a 
man godly and well approved amongst them, to be their Governor 
for that year." 

Between Mr. Carver and Massasoyt, a treaty of peace was 
established. 

Assurances were given to the Chief, " that King James saluted 
him with words of love and peace, and that our Governor desired 
to see him, and to truck with him, and to confirm a peace with 
him, as his next neighbor." After salutations, our Governor 
kissing his hand, the King kissed him ; and so they sat down. 
Then they treated of peace, which was : " That neither he 
nor any of his, should injure or do hurt to any of our people. 
And if any of his did hurt any of ours, he should send the 
offender, that we might punish him. That if any of our tools 
were taken away, when our people were at work, he should cause 
them to be restored.: and if ours did any harm to any of his, we 
would do the like to them. If any did unjustly war against him, 
we would aid him ; if any did war against us, he should aid us. . . 
That when their men came to us, they should leave their bows 
and arrows behind them, as we should do our pieces when we 
came to them." 



JOHN CARVER. lOI 

After all was done, the Governor conducted him to the brook, 
and there they embraced each other. This treaty was kept with 
fidelity as long as Massasoyt lived, but was afterwards, in 1675, 
violated by Philip, his successor. 

The Bradford and Winslow_/^?/r«rt'/of April 5, 162 1, records as 
follows : 

" While we are busy about our seed, our Governor, Mr. Carver, 
comes out of the field very sick ; complains greatly of his head. 
Within a few hours his senses fail, so as he speaks no more, and 
in a few days after dies, to our great lamentation and heaviness. 
His care and pains were so great for the common good, as there- 
with, it is thought, he oppressed himself and shortened his days ; 
of whose loss we cannot sufficiently complain ; and his wife 
deceases about five or six weeks after." 

Mr. Carver's pastor. Rev. John Robinson, reveals his esteem in 
his parting letter to him. 

" My Dear Brother r 

"I received enclosed your last letter and note of information, which I shall 
carefully keep and make use of as there shall be occasion. I have a true feel- 
ing of your perplexity of mind and toil of body ; but I hope that you, having 
always been able to plentifully administer comfort unto others in their trials, are 
so well furnished for yourself, as that far greater difhculties than you have yet 
undergone (though I conceive them to be great enough) cannot oppress you 
though they press you as the Apostle speaketh. ' The spirit of a man (sustained 
by the Spirit of God) will sustain his infirmity.' I doubt not so will yours; and 
the better much, when you shall enjoy the presence and help of so many godly and 
wise brethren, for the bearingof part of your burden. . . Now what shall I say 
or write unto you and your good wife, my loving sister ? Even only this ; I desire 
and always shall, mercy and blessing unto you from the Lord, as unto my own 
soul ; and assure yourself that my heart is with you, and that I will not fore- 
slow my bodily coming at the first opportunity. I have written a large letter to 
the whole, and am sorry I shall not rather speak than write to them ; and the 
more, considering the want of a preacher, which I shall also make some spur to 
my hastening towards you. I do ever commend my best affection unto you ; 
which if I thought you made any doubt of, I would express in more, and the 
same more ample and full words. And the Lord, in whom you trust, and 
whom you serve even in this business and journey, guide you with his hand, 
protect you with his wing, and show you and us his salvation in the end, and 
bring us in the meanwhile, together in the place desired (if such be his good 
will) for his Christ's sake. Amen. 

" Yours, 

"John Robinson." 

" July 27, 1620." 



I02 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

The historian, Rev. Dr. Belknap, speaks as follows of Mr. 
Carver : 

" Piety, humility and benevolence were eminent traits in his 
character. It is particularly remarked that in the time of general 
sickness which befel the colony, and with which' he was affected, 
after he had himself recovered, he was assiduous in attending the 
sick, and performing the most humiliating services for them, with- 
out any distinction of persons or character." 

Mr. Carver had children, and it is stated that they attained no 
civil honors. 

The broadsword which belonged to him is deposited in the 
cabinet of the Historical Society at Boston. 



REUBEN ATWATER CHAPMAN. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT, 1868-1873.* 

Reuben A. Chapman, son of a farmer and grandson of a Con- 
necticut clergyman, was born at Russel, Hampden County, Mass., 
September 20, 1801, died at Fluelen, Switzerland, June 28, 
.1873. 

His early advantages were limited, and at nineteen years of age 
he became a clerk in a store at Blandford. Here he attracted the 
attention of a lawyer, who invited him to become a student in his 
ofifice. The offer was accepted, and he was admitted to the bar. 
He practiced successively at Westfield, Monson, Ware and 
Springfield. In the latter place he connected himself with 
George Ashmun, and for twenty years, the firm of Chapman & 
Ashmun was among the most successful in the State. 

In September, i860, he was appointed an Associate Justice of 
the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and on February 7, 
1868, he was appointed Chief-Justice. He was a Presidential 
Elector in i860, and supported Mr. Lincoln. 

Mr. Chapman was one of the original founders of the South 
Congregational Church of Springfield, and was its first Sunday- 
school superintendent. He accepted the Bible as the inspired 
Word of God, and held what is called the Evangelical Faith, 
regarding Jesus Christ as the Divine Redeemer of mankind. 
The Sabbath always found him in the place of worship, and he 
was habitually present at the weekly prayer meeting. He 
enjoyed the good old hymns and tunes, and loved to sing them. 
He was interested in Home Evangelization, reaching with religious 

* Appleton's " Cyclopaedia of Biography " ; " Discourse," by Rev. S. G. Buck- 
ingham. 

103 



104 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

influences the neglected neighborhoods ; and in the work of Mis- 
sions, Home and Foreign. He was a friend to the temperance 
cause, and could pity as well as blame those who had fallen under 
the control of appetite. " There are those who were once mis- 
erable in vice, but who for years have led temperate and virtuous 
lives, who will tell you ' Squire Chapman pulled me out of the 
ditch.' " 

When the war of the Rebellion broke out, he counselled from 
the first the liberation of the slaves. 

Amherst College conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 
1861. 



SAMUEL CHASE. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1 776.* 

Rev. Thomas Chase, father of Samuel, a native of England, 
emigrated to America ; married a farmer's daughter ; settled for a 
time in Somerset County, Md. ; in 1743 removed to Baltimore to 
take charge there of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. His attain- 
ments in classical learning were of superior order. 

Samuel Chase was born in Somerset County, Md., April 17, 
1741 ; died June 9, 181 1. 

He was carefully educated by his father ; studied law at Annap- 
olis; was admitted to the bar in 1761, and in Annapolis com- 
menced practice. " Here his talents, industry, intrepidity, impos- 
ing stature, sonorous voice, and energetic elocution raised him to 
distinction." 

He was sent by Maryland as a delegate to the Continental 
Congress, serving from 1774 to 1778 ; again in 1784 and 1785 ; 
and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. On the 
floor of Congress he gave a stern rebuke to the Society of Friends, 
for alleged disloyalty. In 1791 he was appointed Chief-Justice of 
the Supreme Court of Maryland; and in 1796 he was appointed 
by Washington Associate Judge of the United States Supreme 
Court. 

In the year 1794 two men were tarred and feathered in the pub- 
lic streets of Baltimore, and Judge Chase caused two respectable 
and popular men to be arrested as ringleaders. They refused to 
give bail, and the Judge directed the Sheriff to take one of the 
prisoners to jail. The Sheriff replied that he apprehended resist- 

* " Lives of the Signers," by Rev. Charles A. Goodrich Force's " American 
Archives " ; Drake's " Dictionary of American Biography." 

105 



I06 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

ance. " Summon l\\^ posse comitatus,'" exclaimed the Judge. " No 
one will serve," said the Sheriff. " Summon me, then," said Judge 
Chase, "I will be \\\& posse comitatus, and will take him to jail." 
A member of the bar requested the Judge to waive the commit- 
ment. " God forbid," replied the Judge, " I will do my duty." 
He requested the parties to meet him the next day, and to give 
him the required security. He was told that the next day would 
be the Sabbath. "No better day," said Judge Chase, "can be 
named. I will meet you here, and from this seat of justice I will 
go to the house of God." On Monday the required security was 
given, but the grand jury instituted charges against Judge Chase 
himself, for holding at the same time two incompatible offices, 
that of Chief-Justice of the criminal court, and that of Justice of 
the general court of the state. To this presentment Judge Chase 
replied with moderation yet with firmness, and informed the jury 
that they had touched upon topics, beyond their province. He 
assured them that whatever opinions they might form, or whatever 
resentments they might indulge, he should ever respect them as 
the grand inquest of the State of Maryland. 

On a visit to Baltimore, in 1783, Mr. Chase was invited to 
attend the meeting of a debating club. One of the speakers espe- 
cially attracted his attention, and approaching him at the close, he 
advised him to study law. He was a clerk in an apothecary's 
shop, and without means. Mr. Chase offered him the benefit of 
his library, his instruction, and his table. The young man 
accepted the offer, became a distinguished lawyer, and became 
Attorney-General of the United States. It was William Pinckney. 

In the days of the Revolution Mr. Chase wrote with boldness : 

To General Sullivan : " The sullen, unrelenting monarch of 
Britain should never lord it over me. I despise, I hate, and wish 
to destroy him and all such tyrants." , 

He wrote with affection toward particular friends. 

To General Gates : " I have not heard from my friend General 
Schuyler since his treaty with the savage princes of the wilderness. 
I cannot express the respect, the affection and friendship, with 
which I desire to be remembered to that gentleman Pre- 
sent my warmest wishes to General Arnold. Every good attend 
you. Farewell." 



SAMUEL CHASE. 10/ 

In these same days of the Revolution, John Adams writes to 
Samuel Chase : " If you imagine that I flatter myself with happi- 
ness and halcyon days, after a separation from Great Britain, you 
are mistaken again. I do not expect that our New Governments 
will be so quiet as I could wish ; nor that happy harmony, confi- 
dence, and affection, between the colonies, that every good Amer- 
can ought to study, labor, and pray for, for a long time ; but 
freedom is a counter balance for poverty, discord and war, and 
more. It is your hard lot and mine to be called into life at such 
a time ; yet even these times have their pleasures." 

In the year 1786 Mr. Chase removed from Annapolis to Balti- 
more, at the pressing invitation of his friend. Colonel Howard, 
who presented him with a square of ten lots of land. Here he 
erected a house, making it his residence. 

In his last sickness he appeared calm and resigned. " He 
spoke of his domestic affairs with great propriety, and to his 
weeping family recommended composure and fortitude. He was 
a firm believer in Christianity, and but a short time before his 
death, having partaken of the Sacrament, he declared himself to 
be in peace with all mankind. In his will he directed that no 
mourning should be worn for him, and requested that only his 
name, with the dates of his birth and death, should be inscribed 
on his tomb." 



SALMON PORTLAND CHASE. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF U. S. SUPREME COURT, 1864-1873.* 

Honorable Salmon Chase, great-grandfather of Salmon Port- 
land, married Mary Dudley, and lived to the age of ninety-three 
years. His second son, Dudley Chase, was grandfather to 
Salmon Portland, 

Ithamar Chase, father of Salmon Portland, married Jannette, 
daughter of Alexander Ralston, of Keene, N. H., by whom he 
had eleven children. The son says of his father : " He was well 
informed for one who had only the education of country schools . . . 
He kept me pretty straight by the mildest means. One day I and 
two or three more were rolling nine-pins. There was an alley on 
our premises. My father came and said : ' Salmon, come and go 
with me to the field.' I lingered, hating to leave the game. 
' Won't you come and help your father ? ' Only a look with that. 
All my reluctance vanished, and I went with a right good-will. 
He was esteemed among his neighbors, was elected and for 
many years re-elected to the Council of New Hampshire, and was 
much talked of for Governor. He was a Justice of the Peace, 
and administered equity. I have heard that he was less careful 
of form than substance, so much so that when a couple called 
upon him to be married at a rather late hour, when he had 
retired to bed, unwilling to disappoint the young folks, and 
equally unwilling to dress himself and come down, he married 
them from his window, and told the groom to come for his 
certificate next morning. A kindly gentleman was my father, 
... I remember no angry word from his lips ; ... he was an 

* " Private Life and Public Services of Sahnon P. Chase," by Robert B. War- 
den ; Cincinnati, 1874; Appleton. 

108 



SALMON PORTLAND CHASE. I09 

upright Christian man." The mother's character is illustrated in 
the following words to her son, in a letter of August, 1825. 
[Referring to his teaching] ". . . . I should like to have you 
take this school, and it would be more convenient for me to see to 
your clothes, and you could study there as well as at Hanover . . 
. I have not got your shirts made yet, but hope to have them by 
the time . . . Dear Salmon, let not your studies, friends, and 
acquaintances, keep you from the love of God. Remember that 
every good and perfect gift comes from God, our only Saviour 
and Redeemer. Salmon, go to him, and praise his name for 
his goodness to you and mine. 

"From your affectionate mother, Jannette Chase." 

Salmon Portland Chase, the eighth child of Ithamar and 
Jannette Chase, was born in Cornish, N. H., January 13, 1808, 
died in New York City, May 7, 1873. 

He was a pupil under Daniel Breck, who became a jurist in 
Kentucky ; spent three years with his uncle Philander Chase, 
Bishop of Ohio ; entered Cincinnati College, and graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1826. He studied law with William Wirt, 
at Washington, D. C, teaching at the same time a classical 
school, and settled in his profession at Cincinnati, O. 

In 1837, ^^ defended a fugitive slave woman claimed under 
the law of 1793, taking ground against the constitutionality of 
that law. In other instances also he acted as counsel for those 
who were claimed as fugitives, and the colored people of Cincin- 
nati, appreciating his services, presented him with a silver pitcher. 

He was a Senator in Congress from 1849 to 1855, was elected 
Governor of Ohio in 1855, and re-elected in 1857. In i860 he 
was again chosen Senator in Congress, but on the day after he 
took his seat, the following document transferred him to the 
Cabinet. 

"Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America. 

" To all who shall see these presents. Greeting : Know ye, that reposing 
special trust and confidence in the patriotism, integrity and abilities of Salmon 
P. Chase, of Ohio, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate, do appoint him to be Secretary of the Treasury of the United 
States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of 
that office according to law, and to have and to hold the said oftice, with all 



I lo AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

the powers, privileges, and emoluments thereunto of right appertaining, unto 
him, the said Salmon Portland Chase, during the pleasure of the President of 
the United States, for the time being. 

" In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and 
the seal of the United States to be hereunto fixed. 

" Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the fifth day of March, in 
the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America, the eighty-fifth. 

" Abraham Lincoln. 
" By the President : 

" William H. Seward, Secretary of State." 

Mr. Chase at once took up the emergency occasioned by the 
Civil War. He asked the New York bankers to acquiesce in the 
matter of loans. " If you cannot," said he, " I shall go back to 
Washington, and issue notes for circulation, for it is certain that 
the war must go on until the Rebellion is put down, if we have to 
put out paper until it takes a thousand dollars to buy a break- 
fast." He administered his work during these trying days with 
ability and to the satisfaction of the country. He resigned this 
position in June, 1864, and the following December was made 
Chief-Justice of the United States Supreme Court, to fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of Roger B. Taney. In this office 
he presided at the Impeachment trial of President Johnson in 
1868. 

The Christian character of Mr. Chase is portrayed in passages 
from his journal as follows : 

"This day has been marked by no extraordinary event ; rose, 
as usual, of late, before sunrise ; breakfasted with sister Alice and 
little Kate. Read Scriptures (Job) to little Kate, who listened and 
seemed to be pleased, probably with the solemn rhythm — for she 
certainly can understand very little ; then prayed with her ; then 
to town in omnibus ; unshaven, for want of time." 

"When shall I learn to subdue all hastiness of temper, all 
petulance, all selfishness ? When shall I" be thoroughly imbued 
with a humble, self-denying, holy spirit ? O Lord, my Saviour, do 
thou assist and teach me. I have been diligently engaged for 
two weeks on an argument for the Supreme Court of the United 
States, which I have finished to-night, in the case of the Bank of 
the United States vs. Longworth and others." 



SALMON PORTLAND CHASE. \\\ 

" Conversed with my dear wife ... * You don't know,' said 
she, 'how delighted I was when you kneeled down with me 
after we were married. I thought I should be inexcusable if I 
did not become pious — all difficulties seemed taken out of the 
way . . .' " 

"To-day I rose too late ; attended to private and family prayer ; 
afterward read several chapters in Leviticus ; having again began 
to read the Scriptures in course, intending to read the Old Testa- 
ment in private and the New with the family ; the 19th chapter ; 
analyzed and compared its precepts with the ten command- 
ments, which it expands and enforces in a most admirable man- 
ner. It is my deliberate opinion that all the writings of all moral 
and political philosophers do not contain so much practical wis- 
dom, whether applicable to States or persons." 

" Going to the Court this morning I met Mr. , on the 

sidewalk. This individual has manifested a singular feeling of 
malevolence toward me ever since . . . He avoids meeting my 
eye, and shuns speaking to me, I do not regret this in itself, 
because his character is such as to render association with him 
undesirable ; but I am unwilling to be on bad terms with any one. 
I cherish no malevolent feelings toward him. On the contrary, 
I sincerely forgive his assault upon me, and was willing to speak to 
him to-day, but he looked the other way as he passed me, and we 
did not speak." 

"This morning, I rose about half-past six o'clock — was inter- 
rupted in dressing, and did not get ready for family prayers until 
about half-past seven. Then attended family prayers, but was 
cold and formal. Neither my thoughts nor my affections seemed 
free. Repeated, as usual, while dressing, a considerable part of 
the 119th Psalm, and afterward, during the day, the whole of the 
residue, I do hope the Word thus hid in my heart will keep me 
from sinning against God. Nothing saves me from absolute 
despair, in the contemplation of the perverseness and guilt of my 
heart, but the certainty that the atonement is infinite, and that 
the Holy Spirit is pledged to those who ask." 

" This morning I did not rise till past seven o'clock, and had 
time only for family prayer and breakfast, after dressing, before 
the bell rang for the Sunday-school, which I attended. The num- 



112 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

ber present exceeded seventy ; I purposed addressing them but 
did not . . . Spent the morning chiefly in reading various articles 
of a religious character in the New York Evangelist; was inter- 
ested particularly by a condensed sketch of the results of mis- 
sionary enterprise. How few are at any pains to inform 
themselves on the subject, the most deeply interesting, except 
one's personal salvation, to every true Christian." 

Mr. Chase penned the following to C. R. Miller: " For myself, 
I have no love for political life ; I am in it from necessity, not 
choice or advantage. Cheerfully would I resign my position to 
any man who would do my work in it. I am not insensible to its 
honors or advantages ; but in my judgment, they are more than 
counterbalanced by its responsibilities and its discomforts." 



THOMAS CHITTENDEN. 

FIRST GOVERNOR OF VERMONT, 1778-1796.* 

Thomas Chittenden was born in East Guilford, Conn., January 
6, 1730; died in Williston, Chittenden County, Vt., August 24, 
1797. 

In youth he labored on his father's farm, and was allowed only 
the advantages of a common school education. 

In his eighteenth year he went to sea, was captured by a French 
vessel of war, and landed on a West India island without money 
and without fri.ends. After much suffering and fatigue he found 
his way home, determined " never again to leave his plough, to go 
ploughing on the deep." 

When in his twentieth year, he was married to Elizabeth Meigs, 
and soon after removed to Salisbury, " where by his industry and 
economy he acquired a handsome landed property." 

"He represented Salisbury in the Legislature in the years 1765, 
'66, '67, '68, '69, and '72. He was also Colonel of a regiment of 
militia and a Justice of the Peace." 

Having determined to leave Connecticut and remove to the 
New Hampshire Grants, he joined with his neighbor, Jonathan 
Spafford, in the purchase of a tract of land at Williston, on the 
Onion River. This was divided, giving each a valuable farm. 
Mr. Chittenden moved with his family, ten in all, in May, 1774. 
The War of the Revolution came on, the Northern frontier was 
exposed, and he removed from place to place, returning to Willis- 
ton in 1787. 

Mr. Chittenden was a member of the committee appointed to 



* Memoir, by Daniel Chipman ; Thompson's " History of Vermont " ; Apple - 
ton ; Allen. 

8 113 



114 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



petition Congress to acknowledge the independence of Vermont, 
and was a member of the convention held at Windsor, July 2, 

1777, which formed the first Constitution of the State. This Con- 
stitution was modelled after the Constitution of Pennsylvania ; and 
section ninth of the " Frame of Government " enjoins concerning 
civil officers : 

" That each member of the House of Representatives, before 
he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe the following declara- 
tion, viz.: ' I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of 
the Universe, the rewarder of the good, and the punisher of the 
wicked. And I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and 
New Testament to be given by divine inspiration, and own and 
profess the Protestant religion.' And no further or other relig- 
ious test shall ever hereafter be required of any civil officer or 
magistrate in the State." 

Mr. Chittenden was elected the first Governor of Vermont in 

1778, which office he held with the exception of one year until 
1796. Before the Legislature at its session in October, 1796, he 
spoke as follows : 

"Gentlemen of the Council and Assembly: 

"... But a few years since, we were without constitution, law, or gov- 
ernment, at war with a potent foreign power, opposed by a powerful neighbor- 
ing state. . . . Now your eyes behold the happy day when we are in the 
enjoyment of a well regulated government, suited to the situation and genius 
of the people, acknowledged by all the powers of the earth, supported by the 
Congress, at peace with our sister States, among ourselves, and with the 
world. . . . 

" This is the day we have appointed to nominate all our subordinate, execu- 
tive and judicial officers, throughout the State, for the present year. The peo- 
ple by free suffrages, have given us the power, and in us they have placed 
their confidence ; and to God, to them, and to our own consciences we are 
answerable. Suffer me then as a father, as a friend, and as a lover of this peo- 
ple, and as one whose voice cannot be much longer heard here, to instruct you, 
in all your appointments, to have regard to none but those who maintain a good 
moral character — men of integrity, and distinguished for wisdom and abilities; 
in doing this, you will encourage virtue, which is the glory of a nation, and dis- 
countenance and discourage vice and profaneness, which are a reproach to any 
people." 

"Governor Chittenden was regular in his habits and his style of 
living was plain. Though destitute of many of the qualifications 



THOMAS CHITTENDEN. 1 1 5 

usually deemed essential in a statesman, he possessed all that 
were necessary and none that were superfluous, in the times in 
which he lived, and was probably far better fitted to be the leader 
and Governor of the hardy but uncultivated settlers of Vermont, 
than would have been a man of more theoretic knowledge or 
polite accomplishments." 

" Gentlemen from the other States, who transacted business 
with him, expressed their astonishment that he could so well read 
their designs. He seldom attempted to induce any one to 
support any proposed measure, by giving his own opinion, and sup- 
porting it by arguments ; but by asking advice, and putting ques- 
tions so adroitly as to elicit the desired answer. And thus each 
individual had the vanity to believe that the Governor was follow- 
ing his advice, that his opinion had prevailed ; and he would sup- 
port with earnestness," 

*' Mr. Chittenden was a professor of religion, believing in the 
Son, to the glory of God the Father. In times of scarcity, which 
are not unfrequent in new settlements, he displayed a liberal 
spirit. His granary was open to the needy. In cases where he 
had given offence and made an enemy, he never treated him as an 
enemy," 

His second son, named Martin, graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1789, and his health not admitting of his studying a pro- 
fession, commenced farming at Jericho, Chittenden County. He 
represented the town in the Legislature several successive years, 
was Representative in Congress from 1803 to 18 13, and Governor 
of the State 18 13 and 18 14. At the age of thirty-three he was 
appointed Major-General of the militia. 



ROGER CLAPP. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1652-1665.* 

Roger Clapp came from England with the first settlers of 
Dorchester, Mass., in the ship Mary and John. 

He was admitted a freeman in 1634 ; was made Lieutenant of 
the Dorchester Trained-band in 1644; and Lieutenant of the 
Artillery Company in 1655. 

Dorchester elected him a Representative to the General Court 
in 1652, and he served the town in that capacity thirteen years. 

On the loth of August, 1665, the General Court appointed him 
Captain of the Castle, the principal Fortress in the Province. 
He held the position twenty-one years, residing with his family at 
the Castle. For sixty years he was a member of the church at 
Dorchester. 

The following is from Mr. Clapp's own pen as addressed to his 
children : 

" My father was a man fearing God, and in good esteem among 
God's faithful servants. His outward estate was not great. We 
were five brethren, of which I was the youngest, and two sisters. 
God was graciously pleased to breathe by his Holy Spirit, I hope, 
in all our hearts, if in mine ; which I am not altogether without 
hopes of. . . . 

" God brought me out of Plymouth the 20th of March, in the 
year 1629, and landed me in health at Nantasket, on the 30th of 
May. . . . 

" Now coming into this country, I found it a vacant wilderness 
in respect of English. There were indeed some English at 

* Whitman's " History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company " ; 
" Memoirs of Roger Clapp," Dorchester edition, Boston, 1844. 

116 



ROGER CLAPP. 



117 



Plymouth and Salem, and some few at Charlestown. Planting 
time being past, shortly after, provision was not to be had for 
money. Many a time, if I could have filled my belly, though with 
mean victuals, it would have been sweet unto me. Fish was a 
good help unto me, and others. Bread was so very scarce, that 
sometimes I thought the very crusts of my father's table would 
have been very sweet unto me. And when I could have meal 
and water and salt, boiled together, it was so good, who could 
wish better 1 I took notice of it, as a great favor of God unto 
me, not only to preserve my life, but to give me contentedness , in 
all these straits. . . . 

" In those days, the Lord Jesus Christ was so plainly held out in 
the preaching of the Gospel, and the absolute necessity of the new 
birth, and God's Holy Spirit was pleased to accompany the Word 
with such efficacy, that our hearts were taken off from Old Eng- 
la?id, and set upon Heaven. The discourse not only of the aged 
but of the youth also, was not, How shall we go to England 
(though some few did not only so discourse, but also went back 
again) but how shall we go to Heaven .'' Have I true grace 
wrought in my heart ? Have I Christ or no ? O how did men 
and women, young and old, pray for grace, beg for Christ in those 
days ; and it was not in vain. Many were converted, and others 
established in believing. . . . 

" O the many tears that have been shed in Dorchester Meeting- 
house, both by those that have declared God's work on their 
souls, and also by those that heard them ! In those days, God, 
even our own God, did bless New England. 

" I find by what I heard from those that publicly declared what 
God had done for their souls, in bringing them unto Christ by 
faith, that God doth work divers ways upon the hearts of men, 
even as it pleases him. . . . 

" If ever there were the work of grace wrought savingly upon my 
heart, the time when, the place where, the manner how, was never 
so apparent unto me, as some in their narrations say it hath been 
unto them. 

"I did, and do still hope, that my love to the saints was, and is, 
rightly grounded ; and that for these reasons. 



I 1 8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" If I perceive, or do but hear of a man or woman that feareth 
God, let him be rich or poor, English or Indian, Portugal or 
Negro, my very heart closeth with him. 

"My heart doth most close with, and most highly prize those 
that are most excellent, most holy, most worthy instruments of 
God's glory and his people's good. 

" And now, dear children, .... while I am in health and 
strength, I thought good to put into writing and leave with you, 
what I have desired in my heart, and oftentimes expressed to 
you with my tongue. I say, I do here charge you solemnly, and 
every one of you, as if I did charge you every one by name : 
Sons, Daughters, and Grandchildren, that now are capable of 
understanding, and as you shall be capable from time to time ; 
and Servants, or any other whom God has placed within my 
gates : I say, I charge you, that every one of you fear the Lord 
our God, and obey his commandments. . . . • 

•"Study to know your own hearts, to know the plague that is in 
them. There is a plague in every man's heart, the deadly plague 
of sin. 

. . . . " Come to the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Physician for 
help. 

"Watch over your hearts, your hands, your eyes, your ears, and 
your tongues. For sin will assault you in every part, by every 
sense. 

" Worship God in your families. Do not neglect family 
prayer morning and evening. And be sure to read some part 
of the Word of God every day in your families, in ordinary 
course. 

" And I lay it as a solemn charge that you pray to God in 
secret. . . . Pray in secret, though you have not a closet or a 
door to shut. You may pray alone in the woods, as Christ did in 
the mountain. You may pray as you walk in the field, as Isaac 
did. When employed in business, you may lift up your hearts in 
prayer as Nehemiah did. 

" And I do also charge you, to live in love and peace among 
yourselves. . . ." 

So greatly was Mr. Clapp beloved by the pious people of 
Dorchester that in the year 1676, when taken sick, they kept a 



ROGER CLAPP. II9 

day of fasting and prayer to beg his life of God, and when he 
recovered, a day of thanksgiving. 

He was united in marriage, November 6, 1633, to Johannah, 
daughter of Thomas Ford, of Dorchester, England, when in the 
seventeenth year of her age. She with her parents came over in 
the same ship with himself, and settled also in Dorchester. " She 
was a godly and exemplary woman." The relation continued 
fifty-seven years. They had fourteen children, ten sons and four 
daughters. 

" Memoirs of Roger Clapp " have been published in six 
editions. Boston, 1731, 1760, 1774, 1817 ; Pittsfield, 1824; 
Boston, 1844. 



JOHN CLARKE. 

DEPUTY-GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND COLONY, 1 669.* 

John Clarke was born in Bedfordshire, England, October 8, 
1609, died at Newport, April 20, 1676. 

He was a physician in London, and of his literary tastes the 
following passage in his will bears evidence. " Unto my loving 
friend, Richard Bailey, I give and bequeath my Concordance and 
Lexicon to it belonging, written by myself, being the fruit of 
several years' study ; my Hebrew Bibles, Buxtorff's and Passor's 
Lexicon, Cotton's Concordance, and all the rest of my books." 

He writes: "In the year 1637 I left my native land, and in 
the ninth month of the same, I (through mercy) arrived at Boston. 
I was no sooner on shore, but there appeared to me differences 
among them concerning the covenants. Some pressed hard for a 
covenant of works, others pressed as hard for a covenant of 
grace." 

So much was he displeased with the tone of public feeling in 
Massachusetts Colony, especially as evinced in the banishment of 
Mr. Wheelright and Ann Hutchinson, that he proposed to several 
of his friends to remove with him out of a jurisdiction that was 
the seat of so much intolerance. They agreed to act in concert, 
and seemed to be directed to that portion of New England where 
Roger Williams had gone. Loading their goods on a vessel, they 
sent it around Cape Cod, while they themselves went overland to 
Providence. Welcomed by Mr. Williams, he advised their set- 
tling at Sowams, in Barrington, if the way was open ; if not, at 
Aquidneck Island. With Mr. Clarke and two others Mr. Wil- 

* " History of the Baptists in New England," by Isaac Backus ; Sprague's 
" Annals of American Pulpit." 

120 



JOHN CLA RKE. 1 2 1 

liams went to Plymouth to ascertain if that colony claimed Sow- 
ams as within her jurisdiction. They were told that Sowams was 
" the garden of their patent," but that Aquidneck was free, and 
there if they would settle, they should be " treated and assisted as 
loving neighbors." They welcomed the opportunity, and on 
March 7, 1638, incorporated themselves as a body politic. 

They purchased Aquidneck of the Indian Sachems, and called 
it the Isle of Rhodes, or Rhode Island ; the Indian deed bearing 
date March 24, 1638. Mr. Clarke was one of the nine who in 
May, 1639, founded Newport, at the opposite end of the island. In 
1644 he assisted in founding there the Eirst Baptist Church, the sec- 
ond of that denomination in America, and assumed its pastorate. 

Mr. Clarke was associated with Obadiah Holmes in punish- 
ment at the hands of Massachusetts authorities, as appears by the 
following. "In July, 165 1, Messrs. Clarke, Holmes and Crandal 
were deputed by the Baptist Church in Newport to visit William 
Witter, an aged member of that church, who resided in Lynn, 
near Boston, They visited their aged brother, and the next day 
being the Sabbath, they concluded to spend it in worship at his 
house. Mr. Clarke presented the text : Because thou hast kept 
the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of 
temptation. And his testimony is this : — ' While I was imparting 
to my companions in the house where I lodged, and to four or 
five strangers that came in unexpected after I had begun ; open- 
ing and proving what is meant by the hoicr of temptatio7i, what by 
the word of his patience, and their keeping it, ... . while, I say, I 
was yet speaking, there comes into the house where we were, two 
constables, .... telling us that they were come with authority 
from the magistrate to apprehend us. I then desired to see the 
authority by which they thus proceeded, whereupon they plucked 
forth their warrant ':,... 

" By virtue hereof, you are required to go to the house of William Witter, for 
certain erroneous persons, being strangers, and them to apprehend, and in safe 
custody to keep, and to-morrow morning by eight o'clock to bring them before 
me, RoiiERT Bridges." 

Mr. Clarke was sentenced to pay a fine of twenty pounds or in 
default be whipped, and Mr. Holmes was sentenced to pay a fine 



122 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

of thirty pounds or be whipped. Mr. Holmes writes : " Although 
,there were that would have paid the money if I would accept it, 
yet I durst not accept of deliverance in such a way. ... I be- 
took myself to my chamber, where I might communicate with my 
God, commit myself to him, and beg strength from him. I had 
no sooner sequestered myself, but Satan lets fly at me, saying, 
' Remember thyself, thy birth, breeding, and friends, thy wife, 
children, name and credit; ' but as this was sudden, so there came 
in sweetly from the Lord as sudden an answer : ' 'T is for my L'ord ; 
I must not deny him before the sons of men.' And as the man 
began to lay the strokes uppn my back, I said to the people, 
' Though my flesh should fail, and my spirit should fail, yet my 
God would not fail.' " In a manuscript by Gov. Joseph Jenckes 
it was written : — " Mr. Holmes was whipped thirty stripes, and in 
an unmerciful manner. . . . But Mr. Clarke being a scholar bred, 
a friend of his paid his fine." 

He served as agent for the Colony in England, in obedience to 
a request drawn up as follows : " We, whose names are here 
underwritten, being resolved to make our address unto the Parlia- 
ment of England, in point of our lands and liberties, . . .> . do 
earnestly request Mr. John Clarke to do his utmost endeavors in 
soliciting our cause in England, and do hereby engage ourselves 
to the utmost of our estates to assist. . . . Witness our hands the 
15th of October, in the year of our Lord God, 1651." 

He left behind him a writing revealing his belief, " that all 
things, with their causes, eifects, circumstances, and manner of 
being, are decreed by God." His objectionable teaching was, 
that baptism, or dipping in water, was an ordinance to be admin- 
istered only to those who gave evidence of repentance toward 
God, and faith in Jesus Christ. 

He published in London : " 111 News from New England, or a 
Narrative of New England's Persecution." 

Mr. Clarke was three times married. First to Elizabeth, 
daughter of John Harges, Esq., of Bedfordshire ; second to Mrs. 
Jane Fletcher, and his third wife was Mrs. Sarah Davis. 

His brother, Joseph Clarke, was a member of the First' Baptist 
Church in Newport, " adorned his profession for above forty years, 
and was often a Ruler in the State." 



JOSEPH CLAY. 

U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE FOR DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, 1796-1801.* 

Joseph Clay, father of Joseph, was a " Revolutionary patriot 
and soldier and an exemplary Christian." 

Joseph Clay of the present sketch was born in Savannah, Ga., 
August 16, 1764, died there January ii, 1811. 

*' He graduated at Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1784, the 
leading scholar in his class. Returning to Georgia, he entered 
upon the study of law, was admitted to the Bar, and continued in 
practice until 1795. The year following, he was appointed Dis- 
trict Judge of the United States for the District of Georgia, and 
presided in that court until 1801, when he resigned the office. 
He was a member of the Convention of 1798, which framed the 
Constitution of Georgia, the original draft of which was from his 
own pen. 

" While actively engaged in his judicial duties, the subject of 
personal religion presented itself to his mind, and engrossed his 
thoughts. He made a public profession of his faith, and joined 
the Baptist church at Savannah, under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. Mr. Holcombe. That church called him to the ministry, 
and he was ordained as assistant pastor. In the autumn of 1806, 
he made a visit to New England, which resulted in his accepting 
the pastorate of the First Baptist Church in Boston, previously 
occupied by Rev. Dr. Stillman. His installation occurred August 
19, 1807, Mr. Clay himself preaching the installation sermon." 

"A lawyer in Providence once hearing him preach, remarked 
to a friend, ' See what a lawyer can do.' The reply was, ' See 
what the grace of God can do with a lawyer.' " 

* Sprague, v. 6, Sketch by Berrien ; " Princeton College, Eighteenth Cen- 
tury," by Alexander. 

123 



124 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

The following, touching the question of regeneration, was ut- 
tered by Mr. Clay : " This being born again, sometimes called 
the new birth, or regeneration, is no trivial change. It is not a 
mere external reformation, or the relinquishment of some vicious 
practices. Such reformation may arise from various causes, and 
indicate externally extensive amendment, without any moral 
change being effected in the heart ; nay, a self-righteousness may 
be produced, that is directly opposed to grace." 

Mr. Clay was a man of fine personal appearance, above the 
medium height, with a countenance strikingly intellectual and ex- 
pressive of great benevolence. 

His eldest daughter married into the family of the Hon. Wil- 
liam Gray, of Massachusetts, 

His discourse at his own installation in Boston was published, 
and may be found in the Library of the American Antiquarian 
Society, Worcester. 




V 



HENRY CLAY. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, r8o6, 1809, 1831-1842, 1849-1852.* 

John Clay, native of Virginia, father of Henry, was a Baptist 
clergyman in moderate circumstances. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of George Hudson, by whom he had eight children, 
three daughters and five sons. 

Henry Clay was born in Hanover County, Va., April 12, 1777, 
died at Washington, D. C, June 29, 1852. 

He pursued his studies at " a school-house made of a crib of 
logs." 

In attending to the supplies of the meal-barrel, he journeyed 
with his bag, on horseback, to a neighboring mill. 

When fourteen years of age, he became a clerk in a retail store 
in Richmond. 

His mother married for her second husband a Mr. Watkins, and 
through his influence, Henry obtained a position in the office of 
Mr. Tinsley, Clerk of the Court of Chancery. Passing four years 
here, and one year in the office of Robert Brooks, about that time 
Governor of Virginia, he was admitted to the Bar in 1797, and in 
November of this year established himself at Lexington, Ken- 
tucky. 

In 1803 he was elected to the State Legislature ; in 1806 was 
appointed to the United States Senate for the remainder of the 
term of General Adair, resigned; in 1807 was again elected a 
member of the Legislature of Kentucky, and was chosen Speaker ; 
in 1809 was again elected to the United States Senate for the 
unexpired term of Mr. Thurston, resigned; in 181 1 was elected a 

* Colton's " Life and Times of Henry Clay " ; Lannian ; " Private Correspond- 
ence of Henry Clay"; New England Historic Society Memorial Biographies. 

125 



126 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Representative in Congress, and employed his eloquence in favor 
of resisting the aggressions of Great Britain ; was Secretary of 
State under John Quincy Adams ; in 183 1 returned to the United 
States Senate, where he remained until 1842. He received the 
nomination for the Presidency in 1844, and was defeated by Mr. 
Polk. He remained in retirement in Kentucky until 1849, when 
he was re-elected to the Senate of the United States. Here he 
supported the measures known as the Compromise Acts. 

Robert C. Winlhrop thus presents Mr. Clay, as Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, Washington : 

" Mr. Clay was six times elected Speaker of the House, and 
held that position longer than any one in the history of our 
country, before or since. No abler or more commanding presid- 
ing officer has ever sat in a Speaker's chair on either side of the 
Atlantic. Prompt, dignified, resolute, fearless, he had a combina- 
tion of intellectual and physical qualities which made him a 
natural ruler over men. There was a magnetism in his voice and 
manner which attracted the willing attention, acquiescence, and 
even obedience, of those over whom he presided. . . . 

" He betrayed to me one of the characteristic secrets of his suc- 
cess, more than thirty years afterwards, when I had the honor of 
occupying the same chair. 'I have attentively observed your 
course as Speaker,' said he to me one day, most kindly, ' and I 
have heartily approved it. But let me give you one hint from the 
experience of the oldest survivor of your predecessors. Decide — 
decide promptly^ and never give your reasons for the decision. The 
House will sustain your decisions, but there will always be men to 
cavil and quarrel about your reasons.' " 

Mr. Clay had his share of experience in the trials and disci- 
pline of life. 

He had been bereft of his daughters one by one, and at length 
was called to mourn the loss of Ann Brown Clay, " more like her 
father than any of the children," and who became the wife of Mr. 
Erwine, of New Orleans. When the intelligence reached him at 
Washington, on breaking the seal, he fainted. He kept his room 
several days. On again assuming his public duty, the sympathy 
of brother senators was manifest as he arose and spoke. 
" Although I feel myself borne down by the severest affliction, 



HENRY CLAY. 12/ 

with which Providence has ever been pleased to visit me, I have 
thought that my private griefs ought not longer to prevent me 
from attempting, ill as I feel qualified, to discharge my public 
duties." Subsequently, while pleading a cause in court at Frank- 
fort, he incidentally used the expression, " vicissitudes of human 
life," when he instantly stopped, and sat down to give vent to his 
feelings. 

Mr. Clay was a subject of prayer and Christian labor by his 
friends. 

A clergyman in Kentucky, in a letter to him in 1828, uses these 
words: "I am in the habit of praying for you in secret and 
public. You are consecrated to your country. Jaear with me, 
for I love you." 

Mr. Frelinghuysen writes to Mr. Clay, after their nomination to 
the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the United States : " Our 
names have been brought together here by the voice of our fellow 
men. My prayer for you and my own soul shall be fervent that, 
through the rich grace of our Saviour, they may be found writ- 
ten in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain for our 
sins." 

And after the result of the Presidential canvass was declared, 
Mr. Frelinghuysen again writes to Mr. Clay, first making allusion 
to the defeat and its causes, and adding : " But, my dear sir, leav- 
ing this painful subject, let us look away to brighter and better 
prospects and surer hopes in the promises and consolations of 
the Gospel of our Saviour. ... I pray, my honored friend, that 
your heart may seek this blessed refuge, stable as the everlasting 
hills, and let this be the occasion to prompt an earnest, prayerful, 
and the Lord grant it may be a joyful search after truth as it is in 
Christ Jesus." 

The efforts of Christian friends were appreciated by Mr. Clay. 

To Mr. Frelinghuysen he writes : " You have, my dear friend, 
kindly suggested the truest of all consolations in the resources of 
our holy religion. I have long been persuaded of that solemn 
truth ; nor have I been entirely neglectful of exertions to secure 
to myself its benefit. I wish I could add that I feel entire confi- 
dence that these exertions had been crowned with success. But 
they shall not be intermitted ; and I trust that, by diligent search- 



138 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

ing, I shall yet find, in faith in our Lord Jesus, that solace which 
no earthly honors or possessions can give." 

In a letter to Rev. J. M. Pendleton, dated Ashland, Novem- 
ber 29, 1844, he says: " . . I hope you will continue your 
prayers for me, since I trust I am not altogether unworthy 
of them." 

The public utterances of Mr. Clay revealed a devout mind. 

He opened his speech in the House of Representatives, March, 
1824, with these words : 

" I would invoke the aid of the Most High. I would anxiously 
and fervently implore His Divine assistance, that He would be 
graciously pleased to shower on my country His richest blessings : 
that He would sustain on this interesting occasion, the humble 
individual that stands before Him, and lend him power, moral and 
physical, to perform the solemn duties which now belong to his 
public station." 

In an address before the Kentucky Colonization Society, at 
Frankfort, 1829, he said : 

" Eighteen hundred years have rolled away since the Son of 
God, our Blessed Redeemer, offered himself on Mount Calvary, 
for the salvation of our species; and more than half of mankind 
still continue to deny his Divine mission, and the truth of his 
Sacred Word. . . . When we shall, as soon we must, be translated 
from this into another form of existence, is the hope presump- 
tuous that we shall behold the common Father of whites and 
blacks, the great Ruler of the universe, cast His all-seeing eye 
upon civilized and regenerated Africa, its cultivated fields, its 
coasts studded with numerous cities, adorned with towering tem- 
ples, dedicated to the pure religion of His redeeming Son ? " 

In the U. S. Senate in 1832, Mr. Clay moved a joint resolution 
to request the President to appoint a national fast by reason of 
the Asiatic cholera, which had appeared upon our continent. 
Unexpectedly, this motion was opposed in the Senate and after- 
ward in the House. In consequence of this opposition, among 
other things, Mr. Clay said : 

" I am a member of no religious sect, and I am not a professor 
of religion. I regret that I am not ; I wish that I was, and I trust 
that I shall be. . . . That which is proposed in this resolution, 



HENRY CLAY. 1 29 

has always commanded the respect of the good and the devout ; 
and I hope it will obtain the concurrence of the Senate." 

Mr. Clay was made a life member of the American Home 
Missionary Society in virtue of a contribution by the ladies of the 
Durand Society of New Haven. 

The Parish register of Christ Church, Lexington, Ky., on June 
22, 1847, has the following record. " Henry Clay, of Ashland, 
was baptized." And the Episcopal register of the Diocese of 
Kentuclcy adds : " He was conlirmed by the Rt. Rev. B. B. 
Smith, D. D., in the chapel of Morrison College, Lexington, on 
Sunday, the i8th of July, 1847, and became a communicant." * 

Mr. Clay married, April, 1799, Lucretia, daughter of Col. 
Thomas Hart, of Lexington, Ky. ; a lady four years younger than 
himself. They had eleven children, six daughters and five 
sons. 

The home, called " Ashland," situated one and a half miles 
from the city of Lexington, comprised a two-story house, with five 
hundred acres of land. A portion of this estate, was devoted to a 
large park; the remainder was given to crops, wheat, rye, hemp, 
etc., and to dairy purposes. At one time the Lexington Hotel 
was supplied with thirty gallons of milk per day from Ashland. 

Mrs. Clay superintended the feeding and clothing of the fifty or 
sixty men and women employed on the farm and in the house. 
She also superintended the sale of the milk, butter and vege- 
tables. This was the home of Mr. Clay for forty years and 
more. The property finally passed into the hands of the Ken- 
tucky University. 

Mr. Clay's sons were Thomas H., became a farmer near Lex- 
ington ; in 1862 was appointed minister resident to Nicaragua, 
remaining until 1866 ; Henry was killed at the battle of Buena 
Vista ; James B. was first a farmer, afterwards practiced law as 
the partner of his father, and represented his father's old district 
in Congress; John M. became a lawyer in Kentucky; and the 
eldest, Theodore Wythe, lost his reason early in life through a 
casualty. 

The works of Mr. Clay, by Calvin Colton, comprising speeches, 
writings and biography, were published. New York, 1857. 

* " New England Historic Memorial Biographies," p. 392. 
9 



JOHN MIDDLETON CLAYTON. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1829, 1845-1849, 1851.* 

Mr. Clayton was born at Daysborough, Sussex County, Del., 
July 24, 1796, died at Dover, Kent County, November 9, 1856. 

He was the eldest son of James, a descendant of Joshua Clay- 
ton, who came to America with William Penn, The pecuniary 
disasters that occurred soon after the close of the War of 1812, 
reduced his father's means. 

He graduated at Yale College, in 18 15 ; studied law, complet- 
ing his studies at the Litchfield Law School in 1819, and entered 
upon his profession in his native State. 

He served in the State Legislature in 1824; was chosen a Sen- 
ator in Congress in 1829 ; again in 1845, holding the office until 
1849, when he became Secretary of State under President Taylor. 
Resigning the position on the death of Mr. Taylor, July, 1850, he 
was for the third time elected to the U. S. Senate for the term begin- 
ning March, 185 1. In 1844 he turned his attention to agriculture, 
and became a farmer upon a tract of land near New Castle. 

A Washington correspondent of the Boston Recorder, year 1856, 
speaks of Senator Clayton as one of the oldest members of the 
body after General Cass, and adds : " He was a firm believer in 
Christianity, and always sensitive to any remark derogatory to its 
truth and excellence. He would rebuke any unbecoming allusion 
to the Holy Scriptures. But in him, as in so many other public 
men, the cares of public life choked the Word. But when sick- 
ness came he awoke to his danger, and cried to God for deliver- 
ance. He professed repentance for sin, and humble reliance on 
the mercy of God, through the merits of Jesus Christ. He par- 

* Appleton ; Lanman ; Boston Recorder. 
130 



JOHN MIDDLE TON CLA YTON. 1 3 r 

took of the communion, at his own request, on his dying bed, 
administered by Rev. Mr. Murphy, a Presbyterian minister." 

Mr. Clayton was a man of fine personal appearance, was acces- 
sible to all classes, and secured for himself a marked degree of 
afifectionate regard. He was married in 1822 to the daughter of 
Dr. James Fisher. 



AARON CLEVELAND. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE OF CONNEC- 
TICUT, 1779.* 

Aaron Cleveland, father of Aaron, graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1735; in 1739 was ordained pastor of the Congregational 
Church of Haddani, Conn. ; in 1747 became pastor of the church 
in Maiden, Mass., subsequently removed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, 
where he became an Episcopalian; in 1755 went to England, and 
returned as an Episcopal missionary to certain parts of Delaware. 
He married Susanna, daughter of Rev. Aaron Foster, of Medford, 
Mass., and several children survived him. 

Aaron Cleveland of the present sketch was born at East Had- 
dam. Conn., February 3, 1744; died at New Haven, September 
21, 1815. 

He early became an apprentice to a hatter in Norwich, and 
employed his leisure time in study. 

At the age of nineteen he produced a descriptive poem entitled 
"The Philosopher and Boy;" soon after a burlesque poem 
entitled "Family Blood;" and in 1775, published a poem against 
the institution of Slavery. It has been claimed that he was the 
first writer in Connecticut to call in question the lawfuhiess of 
Slavery, and to argue against it. Several articles on this subject, 
that appeared in the columns of the Norivich Packet, are supposed 
to have come from his pen. 

In 1779 he served as Representative from Norwich in the 
Provincial Legislature of Connecticut, and there introduced a 
Bill for the abolition of Slavery. 

* " History of Norwich," by Miss F. M. Caulkins ; Allen's " Biographical Dic- 
tionary"; Appleton ; Drake. 

132 



AARON CLEVELAND. 



133 



In early manhood he was a Universalist in religious belief, and 
a prominent actor in support of that system. He afterwards 
became a decided Calvinist, and " resolved to preach the faith 
which he had derided." He entered the Congregational ministry, 
and served for a season the church in Royalton, Vt. 

Mr. Cleveland was twice married. By his first wife, Abiah 
Hyde, of Norwich, he had ten children, and by his second wife, 
Mrs, Elizabeth Clement Breed, he had five children. His son 
William, born in 1770, set apart to the office of Deacon of the 
First Congregational Church of Norwich, in 1812, was the grand- 
father of Grover Cleveland, President of the United States from 
1885 to 1889. Another son, Charles Cleveland, born in Norwich 
in 1772, lived to within, a few days of his one hundreth year. He 
was senior member in the dry goods firm of Cleveland & Dane, 
of Boston ; gave up business and labored as a missionary among 
the poor in that city ; in 1838, having received license to preach, 
was ordained as an Evangelist, and to a very advanced age con- 
tinued his benevolent and Christian labors. 

A Memoir of Aaron Cleveland, with extracts from his poems, is 
contained in the " Poets of Connecticut." 



WILLIAM CODDINGTON. 

GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND, 164O-1647, 1674-1675,* 

William Coddington was born in Lincolnshire, 1601, died 
November i, 1678. 

He was a " godly man and of good estate," according to Win- 
throp ; was appointed an Assistant of the "Massachusetts Govern- 
ment at Southampton, England, March 18, 1629, and came to this 
country in the Arabella. On bo^rd that ship, April 7, 1630, he 
signed with others the Humble Request to those left behind 
of the Church of England. ... " You are not ignorant that the 
Spirit of God stirred up the Apostle Paul to make continual men- 
tion of the Church of Philippi, which was a colony from Rome ; 
let the same spirit, we beseech you, put you in mind, to pray for 
us without ceasing, who are a weak colony from yourselves, mak- 
ing continual request for us to God in all your prayers." 

He settled as a merchant in Boston ; and was several times 
re-chosen as an Assistant or magistrate. In 1637, in the Wheel- 
wright and Hutchinson controversy, he favored Henry Vane and 
Rev. John Cotton against Winthrop and Dudle}', and on this 
account was left out of the magistracy. Early in the following 
spring he left his situation in Boston, and his property and 
improvements at Braintree, and removed to Rhode Island. 
His name stands first among the eighteen settlers of Aquidneck 
who, on March 7, 1638, signed the following covenant: 

" We whose names are underwritten, do here solemnly, in the pres- 
ence of Jehovah, incorporate ourselves into a Body Politic ; and as 
he shall help, will submit our persons, lives, and estates, unto our 

* " Young's Chronicles of Massachusetts " ; " History of New England," 
by Isaac Backus ; Appleton. 

134 



WILLIAM CODDING TOI\r. I35 

Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and to 
all those perfect and most absolute laws of his, given us in his 
holy word of truth ; to be guided and judged thereby. Exodus 
xxiv. 3, 4 ; 2 Chronicles xi. 3; 2 Kings xi. 17." Mr. Codding- 
ton was appointed Judge, with a council of three elders. 

In 1640 he was elected Governor of Rhode Island, and con- 
tinued seven years in oflfice, until a charter was obtained, and the 
island was incorporated with Providence Plantations. In 1674 he 
was again chosen Governor, re-elected in 1675. 

He published in 1674, " A Demonstration of True Love unto 
You, the Rulers of the Colony of Massachusetts." He was twice 
married. 



JACOB COLLAMER. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1855-1865.* 

Mr. Collamer was born in Troy, N. Y., January 8, 1791, died 
at Woodstock, Vc, November 8, 1865. 

With his father, a soldier of the Revolution, he moved in 
early childhood from Troy to Burlington, There he prepared 
for college, entering the University of Vermont at the age of 
fifteen, and graduating in 18 10. He studied law in the office of 
Judge Aldis, of St. Albans, was admitted to the bar in 1813, 
established himself at Royalton, and in 1836 removed to Wood- 
stock. 

He was a Representative in the State Legislature in 1821, 1822, 
1827, 1828, was made Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of 
Vermont in 1833, holding office until 1842, when he was elected 
Representative to Congress, serving byre-elections until 1848. In 
March of that year, he was made Postmaster-General, Cabinet of 
President Taylor, and resigned in 1S50, with others of the Cabinet, 
on the death of the President. He was elected a Senator in Con- 
gress in 1854. 

As a Judge he was distinguished for swiftness in the despatch 
of business, and for stern impartiality. On the floor of Congress, 
his remarks were confined strictly to the Cjuestion in debate. 
Simple in manner and style, always logical and master of his sub- 
ject, he was heard with attention. He was regular in his habits, 
an economical manager of his own affairs, and maintained a spot- 
less character in all the relations of life. 



* Lanman's " Biographical Annals " ; Addresses delivered in the Senate and 
House of Representatives, Washington. 

i:;6 



JACOB COLLAMER. 1 37 

"In 1825 he made public profession of his faith in the Gospel 
of Christ, and united with the Congregational Church in Royal- 
ton." His associate in Congress, Mr. Grider, of Kentucky, says 
that Judge Collamer was uniformly present at the Congressional 
prayer meeting, and participated in the devotional exercises. 



CARLOS COOLIDGE. 

GOVERNOR OF VERMONT, 1849-1851.* 

Mr. Coolidge was born in Windsor, Vt., in 1792, died there 
August 15, 1866. 

He graduated at Middlebury College in 181 1, in the class with 
Rev. Joel H. Lindsley, D. D., Rev. Miles P. Squire, D. D., and 
Rev. Calvin Hitchcock, D. D. For fifty-two years he practiced 
law in his native town. 

He was State Attorney for the county from 183 1 to 1836 ; Rep- 
resentative from 1834 to 1837, and from 1839 to 1842 ; Governor 
of Vermont from 1849 to 185 1, and State Senator from 1855 to 
1857. He received the degree of LL. D. from Middlebury Col- 
lege in 1849. 

His father was a prominent member and Deacon of the Congre- 
gational Church in Windsor. The son became a communicant in 
the same church, and also sustained the office of Deacon. 

* Lanman ; Boston Recorder. 



138 



MATTHEW CRADOCK. 

GOVERNOR OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COMPANY, 1628.* 

Of the London Company which in 16^8 purchased the patent of 
the territory of Massachusetts, Matthew Cradock was chosen 
Governor ; Thomas Goff, Deputy-Governor, and George Harwood, 
Treasurer. A General Court made up of these officials, and a 
board of assistants, convened from time to time to transact busi- 
ness referring to the company. At last the Governor became con- 
vinced that a change should be made, as the following records 
testify. 

At a General Court holden for the Company of the Massachusetts Bay, at 
Mr. Deputy's house, on Tuesday, July 28, 1629, .... Mr. Governor introduced 
a proposition conceived by himself to this effect. That, for the advancement of 
the Plantation, .... the Government thereof be transferred to New England. 
[Advice was given to carry this business secretly, that the same be not di- 
vulged.] 

At a General Court holden at Mr. Deputy's house, August 28, 1629, . . . Mr. 
Deputy acquainted this Court, that the special cause of their meeting was to give 

answer whether or no the chief government of the Plantation, together 

with the patent, should be settled in New England or here. [Committees were 
appointed representing both sides of the debate.] 

A General Court at Mr. Deputy's house, August 29, 1629. . . . After a long 
debate, Mr. Deputy put the question : As many of you as desire to have the 
Patent and the Government of the Plantation to be transferred to New England, 
so as it may be done legally, hold up your hands. So many as will not, hold 
up your hands. ... It appeared by the general consent of the Company, that 
the Government and Patent should be settled in New England. [" The power 
of the corporation to make the transfer has been seriously doubted and even 
denied. It is evident from the Charter, that the original design of it, was to 
constitute a corporation in England like that of the East India and other com- 

*" Chronicles of the First Planters of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay," 
from 1 623-1636, by Alexander Young. 

139 



I40 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

panics, with powers to settle plantations within the limits of the territory, under 
such forms of government and magistracy as should be fit and necessary. But 
the boldness of the step is not more striking than the silent acquiescence of the 
King in permitting it to take place."] 

Mr, Cradock was a London merchant, and owned two of the 
ships in Winthrop's fleet, the Ambrose and thejejuel. He did not 
come to America, but usually led in all subscriptions for the good 
of the colony. He had an agent and servants here, owned a 
house at Marblehead and another at Ipswich, and employed capi- 
tal in fishing and trading. 

To Mr. Endicott, who had been sent forth to lead in the planta- 
tion. Governor Cradock wrote a letter of instruction and advice, 
in which the following passages occur. " Let us not be wanting 
in our parts, now we are called to this work of the Lord's ; neither 
having put our hands to the plough, let us look back ; but go on 
cheerfully, and depend upon God for a blessing upon our labors ; 
who, by weak instruments is able (if he see good,) to bring glori- 
ous things to pass. Be of good courage, go on, and do 
worthily, ... I may not omit to put you in mind, however you 
seem to fear no enemies there, that you have a watchful eye for 
your own safety, and the safety of those of our nation with you, 
and not be too confident of the fidelity of the savages. Our coun- 
trymen have suffered by their too much confidence in Virginia. 
As we are commanded to be innocent as doves, so withal we are 
enjoined to be wise as serpents. The God of heaven and earth 
preserve and keep you from all foreign and inland enemies, and 
bless and prosper this Plantation to the enlarging of the Kingdom 

of Jesus Christ. . . . 

" Matthew Cradock. 
" From my house in Swithen's Lane, near London Stone," 



CHARLES CRAVEN. 

GOVERNOR OF CAROLINA, 1712-1716.* 

" Charles Craven was Secretary to the Proprietors of Carolina, 
and from 1712 to 1716 was Governor of the Colony." His first 
address before the Assembly of Carolina, April 2, 17 12, contains 
the following : 

" As my own persuasions will ever dispose me to do everything 
that may contribute to the prosperity and firm establishment of 
the Church of England, so will my temper always incline me, as a 
fellow Christian, to show the greatest tenderness to those who are 
under the misfortune of dissenting from her, and to do nothing 
that may seem to endanger them that liberty. It were to be 
wished, indeed, that we could be all of one opinion ; but that is 
morally impossible ; but in this we may all agree, to live amicably 
together, consult the common good, the tranquillity of our Prov- 
ince, and the increase of its trade." 

Governor Craven acted a notable part in the year 1715 in 
defending the province. South Carolina was visited with an 
Indian war, the tribes called Yamassees being the leading aggres- 
sors. Six thousand savages, as computed, arrayed themselves. 
The planters fled to the capital, and even Charleston was in 
trouble for her safety. In the muster roll there were only twelve 
hundred men fit to bear arms. Governor Craven proclaimed mar- 
tial law, laid an embargo on ships, and obtained an act of Assem- 
bly which empowered him to impress men, arms, ammunition and 
stores, and to arm trusty negroes. Robert Daniel was appointed 

* Ramsay's " History of South Carolina," Charleston, 1809 ; " Historical 
Account of Protestant Episcopal Church, South Carolina, from first settlement 
of the Province to War of the Revolution "; by Frederick Dalcho, Charleston, 
1820. 

141 



142 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Deputy-Governor, and Governor Craven marched to the country 
against the savages. He knew what advantages the enemy pos- 
sessed among their native thickets ; he knew their wiles ; he 
advanced cautiously. The straggling parties fled before him, 
until he reached Salt Catchers, where they had pitched their 
camp. A sharp and bloody battle ensued. They gave way, but 
returned again and again to the charge. The Governor kept his 
troops close at their heels and drove them over the Savannah 
River. He entered Charleston in the midst of cheers and con- 
gratulations. [The missionaries in this time of trial suffered in 
common with their flocks. They fled before the tomahawk, and 
left their possessions. Society for Propagating the Gospel in For- 
eign Parts, directed their agent, Colonel Rhett, to present as a 
gratuity to each clergyman of the province who had suffered in 
the calamity, though not in the service of the Society, a sum not 
exceeding thirty pounds.] 

The Church of England with which Governor Craven was con- 
nected, recognized the system of bondage which prevailed in the 
colonies, and sent a pastoral letter through its bishop, Dr. Gibson, 
"To the Masters and Mistresses of Families." Ten thousand 
copies of this letter were published and dispersed, and gave 
intelligence as follows : 

" The care of the plantations abroad, as to religious affairs, 
being committed to the Bishop of London, I have thought it my 
duty to learn, among other things, what numbers of slaves are 
employed within the several governments, and what means are 
used for their instruction in the Christian faith .... Christian- 
ity and the embracing of the Gospel does not make the least alter- 
ation in civil property, or in any of the duties which belong to 

civil relations The freedom which Christianity gives, is a 

freedom from the bondage of sin and Satan, and from the 
dominion of men's lusts and passions, and inordinate desires, but 
as to their outward condition, whatever that was before, whether 
bond or free, their being baptized and becoming Christians makes 
no manner of change in it ... . Humanity forbids all cruel treat- 
ment of our fellow-creatures, and will not suffer us to consider a 
being that is endowed with reason upon a level with brutes ; and 



CHARLES CRAVEN. 



143 



Christianity takes not out of the hands of superiors any degrees 
of strictness and severity, that fairly appear necessary for preserv- 
ing subjection and government .... Let me beseech you to 
consider yourselves not only as masters, but as Christian masters. 
Let me beseech you to consider them, not barely as slaves, and 
upon the same level with laboring beasts, but as men-slaves and 
women-slaves who have the same frame and faculties with )'our- 
selves, and have souls capable of being made eternally happy, and 
reason and understanding to receive instruction in order to it. 
. . . Let them see, in you and your families, examples of sobriety, 
temperance and chastity, and of all the other virtues of the Chris- 
tian life." 

Mr, Craven embarked for England in the month of April, 17 16. 
Rev. Gideon Johnson, with thirty other gentlemen, went over the 
bar to take leave of him. On their return from the ship, a sudden 
squall overset their vessel, and Mr. Johnson was unfortunately 
drowned. Some of the passengers and crew were saved by swim- 
ming, and others by assistance from the shore. 



JAMES CUDWORTH. 

DEPUTY-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1 68 1.* 

James Cudworth died in London, while agent of Massachu- 
setts Colony to England, in 1682, aged about 70. 

He was the son of Rev. Ralph, and brother of Ralph Cudworth, 
D.D., author of "True Intellectual System of the Universe," pub- 
lished in London, 1678, 1743, 1820, 1845. 

He came to Plymouth in 1634, removed to Scituate, and occu- 
pied property near the bridge at the Harbor. This estate he sold, 
and removed to Barnstable. Returning to Scituate, he became 
one of the Conihasset Partners, and resided for a time on the 
southeast of Colman's Hills. This property he sold to Thomas 
Robinson, then resided during life near the Musquashcut Pond, 
which property in the course of years passed into the hands of 
Ward Litchfield. 

Mr. Cudworth was Captain of the militia of Scituate, 1652 ; 
Deputy to the Colony Court, 1649, and several succeeding years ; 
Governor's Assistant, 1656, 1657, 1658 ; Commissioner of the 
United Colonies, 1657. 

In 1658, he incurred the displeasure of his brother commis- 
sioners, because he would not set his hand to the severe laws 
which that board proposed against the Quakers. As a conse- 
quence, he was left out of the magistracy and the board of com- 
missioners, deprived of his military command, and disfranchised. 
In 1659, the town of Scituate returned him a Deputy to the 
Court, and the Court rejected him. During this season of rest 
from public labor, he quietly attended to his 'agricultural pursuits. 

* Drake's " Dictionary American Biography " ; Appleton ; Deane's " History 
of Scituate," Boston, 1S31 ; "New England Historical Register," v. 14. 

144 



JAMES CUD WORTH. I45 

And in reference to the differences in question, in a letter dated 
Scituate, 1658, he writes : 

"The anti-christian, persecuting spirit is very active. He that 
will not lash, persecute and punish men that differ in matters of 
religion, must not sit on the bench, nor sustain any office in the 
commonwealth. Mr. Hatherly and myself • were left off the 
bench, and myself discharged of my captainship, because I had 
entertained some of the Quakers at my house, that I might 
thereby be the better acquainted with their principles. I thought 
it better to do so, than with the blind world to censure and con- 
demn. . . But the Quakers and myself cannot close in divers 
things, and so I signified to the Court ; but told them withal, 
that as I was no Quaker, so I would be no persecutor. . . All 
these carnal and anti-christian ways, being not of God's appoint- 
ment, effect nothing to the hindering them in their course. They 
have many meetings and many adherents. . . And give me leave 
to acquaint you a little with their sufferings, which saddens the 
hearts of most of the precious saints of God. . . They were in the 
first place scrupulous of an oath. They must all take the oath of 
fidelity ; this being tendered, they will not take it. Then they 
must pay five pounds, or depart the Colony in such a time. . . A 
poor weaver, that had seven or eight small children, had but two 
cows, and both were taken from him. The Marshal asked him 
what he would do, and the man said, that God who gave him 
them, he doubted not, would still provide for him." 

In 1673, when an expedition against the Dutch at New York 
was projected, Mr. Cudworth was urged to take the office of Com- 
mander-in-chief. He declined, using the following language : 

" I do unfeignedly receive the Court's valuation and estimation 
of me, in preferring me to such a place. . . Being persuaded to 
myself of my own insufficiency, it appears clearly and undoubtedly 
unto me, that I have no call of God thereunto ; for vox populi is 
not always vox Dei. Beside, . . the estate and condition of my 
family is such as will not admit of such a thing. I can truly say, 
that I do not in the least waive the business out of any discontent 
in my spirit arising from any former difference, for the thought of 
all which is, and shall be, forever buried, so as not to come in 
remembrance." 
10 



146 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

In the Colony records, July, 1673, it is stated : " Captain Cud- 
worth, by a full and clear vote is accepted and re-established in 
the association and body of this Commonwealth." He was again 
chosen an Assistant and served from 1674 to 1680. In 1681, he 
was appointed an agent for the Colony to England. He was also 
Deputy-Governor the same year. 

The following are extracts from a letter by Mr. Cudworth to 
Dr. Stoughton of England. 

" SciTUATE, the — of December, 1634. 
"Dear and Worthy Sir: 

..." These are to let you understand that I have received your godly and 
pious letter, full of grace and wholesome exhortations, which argues your 
unfeigned desires and continual endeavors for the good of my soul. . . I desire 
that you may be as frequent in your letters as you may, for I find a great deal 
of sweetness in them. . . Laboring to make some benefit to our souls of all the 
Lord's dealings with us; whether they be mercies that tliey may allure us, or 
chastisements that they may correct and amend us, or judgments that they may 
terrify us, or afiliction that they may refine us, so that at length we may be 
more than conquerors. If it should please God to bring you into this land 
amongst us, I would entreat you for your own good, not to come engaged to 
any people, till you come here yourself and see the nature of the place where 
you are to sit down. 

" Now as concerning my own particular, I thank the Lord I have wanted 
nothing since I came into the Land. I have, I bless God, as yet, the best 
house in the plantation ; though but a mean one, it contents us well. I planted 
corn, contrary to Mr. Hatherly's mind. . . 1 bless the Lord, I have, I think, at 
least fifty bushels of corn. So that I think I shall not need, but shall have 
enough till next harvest. My house is the meeting-house, because it is the big- 
gest, but we are but few as yet in number, not passing sixty persons. 

" As concerning my uncles, blessed be God, they are both in good health ; 
and my uncle Thomas is to be married shortly, to a widow that has good means 
and has five children. Thus much I made bold to trouble you withal, being 
all for the present, only desiring to be remembered to all my brothers and sis- 
ters, and all my friends, and my wife likewise desires her duty to you. . . So 
for the present, I commend you to the protection of the Almighty, and ever rest 
your dutiful son till death. James Cudworth. 

" To his very loving and kind father, Dr. Stoughton, at his house in Allder- 
manburg." 

Mr. Cud worth's will, dated at Scituate in the spring of 1682, 
ordered his estate " to be divided into six equal parts — James two- 
sixths, Israel one-sixth, Jonathan one-sixth, daughter Mary's four 
children (Israel, Robert, James and Mary Whitcomb), one-sixth, 
daughter Hannah Jones one-sixth." 



MANASSEH CUTLER. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1800-1804.* 

John Cutler, grandfather of Manasseh, was a communicant in 
the church at Lexington, Mass., and here eight of his children 
were baptized. About the year 17 13, he removed to KilUngly, 
Conn. 

Hezekiah, son of the preceding, was received to the communion 
of the church in Killingly in 1733; married in 1734 Susannah 
Clark. " He was regarded as a truly Christian man, a peacemaker 
among his neighbors, and a friend to the poor." 

Manasseh Cutler, son of Hezekiah, was born in Killingly in 
1744, died at Hamilton, Mass., July 28, 1823. 

" The labors of the farm in which he participated in his youth, 
gave him a fine physical development, and valuable habits of 
industry." He prepared for college under Rev. Aaron Brown, and 
graduated at Yale in 1765. Entering upon business, he kept a 
store at Edgarton, Martha's Vineyard, and was concerned in com- 
merce and whaling. In the mean time he carried on the study of 
law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1767. 

His inclination; however, was toward the gospel ministry. His 
diary for November, 1768, says : 

" Prosecuted my study, began to make sermons. May God 
grant me his blessing in so important an undertaking, and make 
me serviceable in the cause of religion. . ." 

He settled up his business, removed to Dedham, studied theol- 
ogy under Rev. Mr. Balch, and was ordained pastor of the church 
at Hamilton, then a part of Ipswich, September 11, 177 1. The 

* " I-ife, Journal and Correspondence of Manasseh Cutler"; Sprague's 
"Annals of American Pulpit "; "History of Ipswich," by Joseph B. Felt, 1834. 

147 



148 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

War of the Revolution came on, and he served in the army as 
chaplain for six months. 

Soon after the close of tlie war, the Ohio Company was formed, 
and Mr. Cutler, with Winthrop Sargent, was made agent to deal 
with the Government for land. On October 7, 1787, a contract 
was made for one million acres at one dollar an acre. 

Mr, Cutler built a large wagon covered with canvas, and on its 
sides was written : " Ohio, for Marietta on the Muskingum." 
He engaged forty-five men to accompany this wagon, and to 
remain and occupy the country for three years. On starting forth 
from Mr. Cutler's house, a volley was fired. On July 21, 1788, 
Mr. Cutler himself set out in a sulky, accompanied by a few 
others, and reached Marietta, by a route of 751 miles, August 19. 
The following Sabbath he preached, and continued to hold wor- 
ship every Sabbath during his stay in the West. Leaving Mari- 
etta September 9, he reached his home and family October 15. 

In connection with his ministry, he kept a boarding-school in 
Hamilton, fitting young men for college, and giving instruction in 
navigation. He was skilled in botanical science, and contributed 
to the volumes of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a 
paper describing the plants of New England. 

In the spring of 1800, he was elected Representative tQ the 
General Court, in the autumn of the same year was elected Repre- 
sentative to Congress ; re-elected in 1802. It was agreed between 
him and his parish that his salary should be continued during his 
service for the Government, and that he should supply the pulpit 
by substitute. As member of Congress, he was esteemed by the 
good men of all parties. 

His ministry in Hamilton continued about fifty-two years, inter- 
vals of political service excepted. He made his preparations for 
the pulpit with care, and on Saturday evening delivered his two 
sermons aloud to himself in his study. 

The following are selections from his journal : 

[1787. While on a journey which he was obliged to press with 
expedition.] 

" Sunday, July 15. — Set out early this morning for Trenton, 
where I proposed to attend public worship. Crossed the Dela- 
ware at the upper ferry, not far above the Rolling and Slitting 



MANASSEH CUTLER. 1 49 

Mills. I let the horse stand about ten minutes, and viewed these 
curious works, but as it was Sunday did not take any minutes of 
their construction. . . Breakfasted at the Sign of the Sun, Francis 
Wilt, Trenton. As it was now but half-past eight, found I could 
go as far as Perrytown before public worship would begin, and 
concluded to go on. Bill, 2J-. 6^/. Arrived at ten ; put up at 
Thos. Bullman's, a tolerable tavern, opposite the Meeting-House. 
Many of the people came a considerable distance to meeting, and 
almost all ride in wagons with two horses. They were the com- 
mon wagons which they use in their farming business. They fill 
them with chairs two abreast, and set in them men, women and 
children. The parson, whose name is Rue, gave us two rueful 
discourses on the process of the last judgment. . . He appeared 
to be a high-flying, extempore preacher, and reminded me of 
Butler's lines in Hudibras : 

* With pulpit drum, ecclesiastic, 
Beat with his fist instead of a stick.' 

Meeting was done in the afternoon a little past two, and I ordered 
my horse up, and went on to the Bingo Tavern. Bill y. 6d., 
Jersey money. Here I drank tea, seventeen miles from Perry- 
town. Bill, IS. 4.//. The evening cool and pleasant, concluded 
to go on to the next stage, the White House Tavern, seventeen 
miles further, where I arrived about nine o'clock. The people 
were gone to bed, but I soon routed them. The landlady and 
her daughter, and a black servant, got up, and soon provided me 
a fine supper of veal cutlet and fried oysters. I have rode to day 
fifty-five miles, and have attended public worship both afore noon 
and afternoon, a pretty good day's work for Sunday." 

On a Tuesday, after hearing Rev. Mr. Whitefield at Wrentham. 

" Large assembly. His prayer half an hour. Text, ' If ye 
being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how 
much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to 
them that ask Him.' His text was handsomely opened; his sub- 
ject turned principally on the necessity of the assistance of the 
Divine Spirit in performing all our duties. Had not so much as 
the heads of his sermon written — very flighty and rambling — his 
audience not overmuch affected. He had many good expressions, 
and many very odd, and improper for the pulpit. His gestures 



I50 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

very extravagant, though natural and easy. His sermon an hour 
and a half, and all the substance, I imagine, might have been 
delivered handsomely in ten minutes." 

While a pastor at Hamilton, Mass., he writes, August — . 

" Lecture at Esquire Giddings' at sunset. Remarkably full, 
supposed to be two hundred people, and would have been more 
if the weather had been fine." 

On a Sunday while a member of Congress. 

" Attended at the Hall. A Mr. Hargrove, of Baltimore, a Swe- 
denborgian, preached. Gave his creed in part ; not very excep- 
tionable. President attended, although a rainy day. In the 
afternoon attended at the Treasury. Heard a newly imported 
Scotchman; pretty good speaker." 

In September, 1806, he made a journey to Union, Maine, to 
attend the ordination of Rev. Mr. True. He was Moderator of 
the council, and gave the charge to the candidate as follows : 

" Reverend and Dear Sir : 

" In the name of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and in presence of these 
witnesses, we do solemnly charge you to take heed to the Ministry which you 
have received and fulfil it. Preach the Word. Be instant in season, and out 
of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine. Illus- 
trate the Gospel of the Grace of God, and, with all possible clearness and 
fidelity, point out to fallen men the way of salvation. That you may show 
yourself a Scribe well instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, a workman 
that needeth not to be ashamed, converse much with the Holy Scriptures, and 
imbibe the spirit of the inspired authors. Endeavor to be well acquainted 
with the doctrines, duties, and motives of religion, that you may clearly 
explain, fully confirm, and successfully recommend them to your hearers. . . 
Be ready to instruct, direct and encourage inquiring minds. . . Visit the houses 
of sorrow. . . Admit to baptism those who have a right to this ordinance. 
Suffer little children to come to Christ and forbid them not. Invite to the 
table of the Lord those who give evidence of gospel qualifications. . . Exercise 
the authority you have now received in separating others to the work of the 
ministry. . ." 

In addition to his contributions in behalf of science, he published 
" National Fast Sermon," 1799 ; " Century Discourse," 1814. 

He married Mary, daughter of Rev. Thomas Balch, of Ded- 
ham, by whom he had eight children, five sons and three 
daughters. His son, Jervis, at the age of nineteen, accompanied 
the Ohio expedition. 



DAVID DAGGETT. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1813-1819.* 

John . Daggett, early ancestor of David, came from England 
in 1630, and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, 

His son Thomas, resided in Edgarton, Martha's Vineyard, 
married Hannah, oldest daughter of Governor Mayhew, and was 
a magistrate of the island. 

Deacon John Daggett, son of Thomas, removed with four sons, 
from Martha's Vineyard, to Attleborough, Mass. 

Thomas Daggett, son of the above, and father of David, was a 
man of vigorous intellect, strong common sense, and decided 
religious character. 

David Daggett was born in Attleborough, Mass., Decem- 
ber 31, 1764, died at New Haven, Conn., April lo, 1851. 
He entered the Junior class of Yale College at the age of 
sixteen, and graduated in 1783. He studied law with Charles 
Chauncey, supporting himself by service as butler in college, and 
preceptor in the Hopkins' Grammar School, and was admitted to 
the Bar in New Haven, where he entered upon practice in 1786, 
at the age of twenty-one. 

He served in the State Legislature ; was Mayor of New Haven ; 
was Senator in Congress from 1813 to 1819; was Judgfe of the 
State Supreme Court from 1826 to 1832 ; and was Chief-Justice 
from 1832 to 1834, when being seventy years of age, he was 
obliged by the rules of the State Constitution to retire. In 1826, 
he was appointed Kent Professor of Law in Yale College. 

The Rev. Mr. Dutton speaks as follows of Mr. Daggett's relig- 
ous experience and character. 

* " Life and Character of David Daggett," by Rev. Mr. Dutton ; Lanman's 
" Biographical Annals " ; Sprague's " Annals of American Pulpit." 

151 



I 52 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

*' The memories and records of his pious ancestry, had a 
strong influence upon him. He commenced his active life with 
great respect for religion and its ordinances . . . Soon after the 
death of his daughter in 1815, he commenced family worship, 
which he continued from that time through life. His wife was a 
woman of piety. She was in the habit of making appointments 
with those of her children who were Christians, at specified hours 
in the da}', to plead in concert at the throne of grace for the con- 
version of the husband and father. It was not until 1832, that 
in his own view, and that of his friends, he began a really relig- 
ious life. In April of that year, during one of those ' times of 
refreshing from the presence of. the Lord,' of which the Holy 
Scriptures speak, there were in New Haven continuous religious 
services for a few days. Mr. Daggett and other men of distinc- 
tion, were seriously moved. One evening, after an earnest 
presentation of the Gospel, those who were disposed to take a posi- 
tion expressive of their desire to become servants of Christ, were 
invited to remain in their seats, while the other portion of the 
audience should retire. Mr. Daggett remained. After a few 
words from a minister of Christ, those who were resolved, by the 
divine help, to serve and love, and trust the Saviour of sinners, 
were invited to rise. Mr. Daggett rose. The decision which he 
then expressed, he adhered to, and cherished through life. Four 
months after this event, at the age of sixty-eight, he publicly 
expressed his repentance towards God, and his faith towards our 
Lord Jesus Christ ... In social religious services, he did not, 
as many desired, and as indeed was very desirable, take an active > 
or leading part . . . On one occasion, speaking with one in 
whom he confided, he remarked, that he daily committed his soul 
in love and confidence to the Saviour of sinners, and believed 
that he was accepted now and should be accepted hereafter, of 
him ; though he was not able to sympathize as fully as he desired 
with the strong expressions of assurance, in which it seemed the 
privilege of some to indulge." 

The following letter from Mr. Daggett was communicated to 
Rev. Dr. Sprague, of Albany, and incorporated in " Annals of 
the American Pulpit : " 



DA VID DAGGE TT. 1 5 3 

" New Haven, May 4, 1850. 
"Dear Sir: 

"The Rev. Habijah Weld, concerning whom you enquire, was the 
first clergyman of whom I had any knowledge. My parents were mem- 
bers of his congregation at the time of my birth, so that I was baptized by 
him and spent my childhood and early years under his ministry. Mr. Weld 
was distinguished for eminent piety and exemplary devotion to his work. Dur- 
ing a ministry of fifty-five years, he was never kept from the pulpit for a sin- 
gle Sabbath by ill health. He generally wrote his sermons, and read from the 
manuscript. He adhered to the doctrines of the Assembly's Catechism, and 
preached them with boldness and earnestness. He was remarkable for his 
observance of the .Sabbath. If he had laborers on Saturday, they were dis- 
missed so early as to be able to reach home before sunset. The cows had 
been milked, the cattle fed, the vegetables for the next day prepared. And 
when the Sabbath came, not a room was swept, nor a bed made, nor any 
secular service that could be dispensed with, performed, till after the hour of 
sunset, which he considered as closing the day. He possessed for that period, 
wealth. His salary, which consisted of only $220, in money, was devoted to 
the poor. In his visits he was as ready to accept the hospitalities of the poor 
as of the ricli ; and after dining or taking tea with such a family, he would send 
them a basket of comforts, and Bristol, the man-servant who carried them, used 
to say, ' Master always sends the best chicken to thank folks for a dry crust.' 
It was his rule to visit all the members of his church within the two months 
that intervened between the communion seasons . . . He was early enlisted in 
the cause of Negro emancipation. Bristol was the only slave he ever owned, 
and when he offered him his freedom, he refused to accept it. Such are my 
recollections and impressions of this venerable friend of my early years. 

" I am, dear sir, truly yours, 

" David Daggett." 

Mr. Daggett possessed good judgment, a good knowledge of 
the law, and the ability to draw forth wisdom from the words of 
Holy Writ. He had a commanding form and voice of compass 
and power. He published — " Oration at New Haven, July 4, 
1789," the same, second edition ; " Argument before the General 
Assembly of Connecticut, 1804 ; " " Eulogium on Roger Griswold, 
before the General Assembly of Connecticut, October 29, 18 12." 

He was twice married. At the age of twenty-one to Wealthy 
Ann, daughter of Dr. Munson, by whom he had nineteen children. 
In May, 1840, to Mary, daughter of Major Lines. 



THOMAS DALE. 

DEPUTY-GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, 161I.* 

Thomas Dale, educated to military service, was sent forth 
from England to Virginia as Deputy-Governor of that Colony, 
arriving May lo, 1611, with three ships and three hundred people. 
For the government of the Colony, he brought with him a code of 
laws, divine, moral, and martial, compiled by Sir Thomas Smith. 

The following letters, one by himself, the other by Rev. Mr. 
Whitakers, bear upon the early history of Virginia ; also unfold to 
the reader the character of Mr. Dale. 

Letter from Sir Thomas Dale, Marshal and Governor of Vir- 
ginia, unto a minister of London. 

"Right Reverend Sir: 

" By Sir Thomas Gates, I wrote unto you, of such occasions as then presented 
themselves ; and now again by this worthy gentleman, Captain Argall, I salute 
you ; for such is the reverend regard 1 have of you, as I cannot omit any 
occasion to express the sincere affection I bare you. You have ever given me 
encouragements to persevere in this religious warfare, until your last letters ; 
not for that you are now less well affected thereunto ; but because you see the 
action to be in danger, by many of their non-performances, who undertook the 
business. I have undertaken, and have as faithfully, and with all my might, 
endeavored the prosecution with all alacrity ; as God that knoweth the heart, 
can bear me record. What recompense, or what rewards, by whom, or when, 
I know not where to expect, but from Him in whose vineyard I labor, whose 
church with greedy appetite I desire to erect. 

" You shall briefly understand, what hath betide since my last, and how we 
now stand . . . 

" Opachankano desired I would call him friend, and that he might call me so ; 
saying he was a great captain, and did always fight, that I was also a great 

* Campbell's " History of Virginia," Richmond, 1845 > Hamor's " True Dis- 
course of Virginia," two hundred copies privately printed from London edition 
of 161 5. 



THOMAS DALE. 155 

captain, and therefore he loved me, and that my friends should be his friends. 
So the bargain was made, and every eight or ten days, I had messages and 
presents from him, with many appearances that he much desireth to continue 
friendship. 

" Now may you judge, sir, if the God of battles have not a helping hand in 
this ; that having our swords drawn ... yet they tendered us peace, and 
strive with all alacrity to keep us in good opinion of them, by which many 
benefits arise unto us. First, part of our arms, disgracefully lost long ago 
(kept by the savages as monuments and trophies of our shames) redelivered, 
some repair to our honor. Our cattle to increase, without danger of destroy- 
ing, our men at liberty, to hunt freely for venison, to fish, to do anything else, 
or go any whither, without danger ; to follow the husbanding of their corn 
securely, whereof we have above five hundred acres set . . . roots and herbs 
we have in abundance ; all doubt of want is by God's blessing quite vanished, 
and much plenty expected. And which is not the least material, we may by 
this peace, come to discover the country better, both by our own travels, and 
by the relation of the savages, as we grow in familiarity with them. 

" Powhatan's daughter I caused to be carefully instructed in Christian Relig- 
ion, who, after she had made some good progress therein, renounced publicly 
her country idolatry, openly confessed her Christian faith, was, as she desired, 
baptized, and is since married to an English gentleman of good understanding, 
another knot to bind this peace the stronger. Her father and friends gave 
approbation to it, and her uncle gave her to him in the church ; she lives civilly 
and lovingly with him, and I trust will increase in goodness, as the knowledge 
of God increaseth in her. She will go into England with me ; and were it 
but the gaining of this one soul, I will think my time, toil, and present stay, 
well spent . . . 

" I can assure you, no country of the world affords more assured hopes of 
infinite riches, which, both by mine own people's discovery, and the relation of 
such savages whose fidelity we have often found, assureth me . . . Here is 
enough to content them, let their ends be either for God or Mammon. 

" These things have animated me to stay for a little season ; to leave those, I 
am tied in conscience to return unto, to leave the assured benefits of my other 
fortunes, the sweet society of my friends and acquaintance, with all mundall 
delights ; and reside here with much turmoil which I will constantly do, 
rather than see God's glory diminished, my King and country dishonored ; and 
these poor people I have the charge of, ruined. And so I beseech you to 
ans^ver for me, if you hear me taxed for my staying, as some may justly do; 
and that these are my chief motives, God I take to witness. 

" Remember me, and the cause I have in hand, in your daily meditations; 
and reckon me in the number of those that do sincerely love you and yours, 
and will ever rest in all offices of a friend, to do you service. 

" From Jamestown, in Virginia, the iSth of June, 1614. 

"Thomas Dale." 



156 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

The Rev. Alexander Whitakers pens from Virginia this letter. 

"To my dear and loving Cozen M. G., Minister of the B. F., in London. 
"Sir: 

" Tlie colony here is much better. Sir Thomas Dale, our religious and valiant 
Governor, hath now brought that to pass which never before could be 
effected. For by war upon our enemies, and kind usage of our friends, he 
hath brought them to seek for peace of us ; which is made, and they dare not 
break. But that which is best, one Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, is 
married to an honest and discreet English gentleman, Mr. Rolfe, and that after 
she had openly renounced her country idolatry, confessed the faith of Jesus 
Christ, and was baptized; which thing Sir Thomas Dale had labored a long 
time to ground in her. 

" Yet notwithstanding, are the virtuous deeds of this worthy knight much 
debased, by the letters which some wicked men have written from hence, and 
especially by one C. L. If you hear any condemn this noble knight, or do 
fear to come hither, for these slanderous letters, you may upon my word 
boldly reprove them. You know that no malefactors can abide the face of 
the Judge ; but themselves scorning to be reproved, do prosecute with all 
hatred, all those that labor their amendment. I marvel much that any men of 
honest life, should fear the sword of the magistrate, which is unsheathed only 
in their defence. 

" Sir Thomas Dale (with whom I am) is a man of great knowledge in divin- 
ity, and of a good conscience in all his doings : both which be rare in a mar- 
tial man. Every Sabbath day we preach in the forenoon, and catechise in the 
afternoon. Every Saturday at night, T exercise in Sir Thomas Dale's house. 
Our church affairs be consulted on by the minister, and four of the most 
religious men. Once every month we have a communion, and once a year a 
solemn fast. For me, though my promise of three years' service to my country 
be expired, yet I will abide in my vocation here, until I be lawfully called from 
hence. And so betaking us all unto the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, I rest 
forever. 

" Your most dear and loving cosen, 

" Alex. Whitakers. 

"Virginia, June 18, 1614." 

Sir Thomas Dale was twice married. 




C^Ot - CiC/^ ^€.A./«-c» A^?^ 



ABRAHAM DAVENPORT. 

SENATOR IN CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE, 1766-1784.* 

A WORK entitled " History and Genealogy of the Davenport 
Family in England and America, from 1086 to 1S50," by A. 
Benedict Davenport, was published in 1851 ; and a " Supplement " 
to that work, by the same man, was issued in 1876. In these 
works the genealogy of the family is traced through twenty-four 
generations, beginning with Ormus de Dauneporte, born in 1086. 
The author assures his reader, edition of 185 1, that "he is 
enabled to present a line of ancestry for nearly 800 years, authen- 
ticated by the clearest proofs and evidences." 

John Davenport, of the seventeenth generation from Ormus 
de Dauneporte, great-grandfather of Abraham, was born in the 
city of Coventry, Warwickshire, England, in 1597. "His mother 
was a woman of piety, but was early removed by death, leaving 
this son in his childhood, after having devoted him to the care and 
special service of God, with great fervor and faith." He studied 
at the grammar school of Coventry and at the University of 
Oxford, and chose the ministry for his calling. He became vicar 
of St. Stephen's Church, Coleman Street, London, and one of the 
members of his church was Theophilus Eaton, afterwards of New 
Haven Colony. He became a Nonconformist, resigned his 
charge, and retired into Holland. A letter from Mr, Cotton 
induced him to embark for Boston, where he arrived June 26, 
1637, '" company with Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hopkins. He assisted 
in founding New Haven Colony, and for nearly thirty years 
served in the ministry at New Haven. In the library of the 

*"The Davenport Family," by A. B. Davenport; Force's "American 
Archives; " Dwight's " Travels ;" Whittier's " Tent on the Beach." 

157 



1 5 8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

American Antiquarian Society at Worcester, Mass., is a bound 
volume, consisting of miscellaneous tracts, pamphlets, etc., which 
belonged to the private library of Mr. Davenport. His only son, 
named John, was a member of the church. New Haven, and on 
removing with his family in i668 to Boston, took a letter of 
recommendation to the church there. 

John Davenport, son of the above, was baptized by his grand- 
'father, graduated at Harvard College, entered the ministry and 
served the church at Stamford, Conn., thirty-one years. Like 
" Elijah, he was a man mighty in prayer." 

Abraham Davenport; the eighth child of John, was born in 
17 15, died at Danbury, Conn., November 20, 1789. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1732, and took up his resi- 
dence in Stamford.' " History of Stamford," by Rev. E. B. 
Huntington, 186S, thus speaks of Mr. Davenport : " No man has 
ever served the town as one of its selectmen, as long as he. He 
also represented the town in the State Legislature for twenty-five 
sessions, and at several of them was clerk of the House. He was 
State Senator from 1766 to 1784 ; was Judge of Probate for sev- 
eral years, and at his death was Judge of the County Court. In 
1777 he was one of the Committee of Safety for the State, and 
was always consulted by Governor Trumbull and General Wash- 
ington as one of the wisest counsellors in our most trying days. 
He was, also, very active in religion, and held the office of deacon 
in the Congregational Church from 1759 to 1789." 

Mr. Davenport's name appears in the Revolutionary Corre- 
spondence, as furnished in Force's " American Archives,^' fourth 

series, v. 4, p. 219. 

Abraham Davenport to Governor Trumbull : 

" Stamford, December 8, 1775. 

" Respected Sir : 1 r u ^ 

" Mr. Selleck and Mr. Bates, two of my neighbours, own a vessel of about 
fifty tons, with which they are desirous to make voyage to the West Indies, to 
carry cattle and provisions, and bring back military stores, if a permit can be 
obtained of your Honour for that purpose. I suppose that it is expected 
that Mr. Bates will go master, if the vessel is permitted to go. I be leve 
he may be depended upon; and I do not know a man better calculated 
for the business. The vessel is said to be a prime sailer. We have but a few 
pounds of powder in our town stock, and I believe it will be universally agree- 



A BRA HA M DA VENPOR T. I 5 9 

able to the inhabitants of our town that a permit should be granted them. At 
the desire of Mr. Bates, I write this. He informs me that Mr. Selleck will 
apply to your Honour for the permit, and will give bond (if required) for the 
faithful conduct of the master. Mr. Selleck is a man of considerable interest, 
and his bond will be quite sufficient. I am, with the greatest esteem and 
respect, your Honour's most obedient and humble servant. 

" Abraham Davenport." 

Timothy Dwight writes as follows : 

" Colonel Davenport was possessed of a vigorous understand- 
ing, . . of integrity unquestioned even by his enemies. He was 
early a professor of the Christian religion, and adorned its doc- 
trines by an exemplary conformity to its precepts. He was often 
styled a rough diamond, and the appellation was, perhaps, never 
given with more propriety. . . It would be happy for this or any 
other country, if the magistracy should execute its laws with the 
exactness for which he was distinguished. He acquired property 
with diligence, and preserved it with frugality ; and hence was by 
many persons supposed to regard it with an improper attachment. 
This, however, was a very erroneous opinion. Of what was merely 
ornamental, he was, I think, too regardless ; but the poor found 
nowhere a more liberal benefactor, nor the stranger a more hos- 
pitable host. I say this from personal knowledge, acquired by a 
long continued and intimate acquaintance with him and his 
family. While the war had its seat in the State of New York, he 
took the entire superintendence of the sick soldiers who were 
returning home, filled his own house with them, and devoted to 
their relief his own time and that of his family: while he pro- 
vided elsewhere the best accommodations for such as he could not 
receive. In a season, when an expectation of approaching scarc- 
ity had raised the price of bread corn, ... he not only sold 
the produce of his own farms to the poor at the former customary 
price, but bought corn extensivel}-, and sold this as he had sold 
his own. His alms were at the same time rarely rivalled in their 
extent. 

" An instance of Colonel Davenport's firmness deserves to be 
mentioned. The 19th of Ma}', 1780, was a remarkably dark 
day. Candles were lighted in many houses, the birds were silent 
and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. The Legislature 



l6o AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

of Connecticut was then in session at Hartford. A very general 
opinion prevailed, that the day of judgment was at hand. The 
House of Representatives, being unable to transact their business, 
adjourned. A proposal to adjourn the council was under con- 
sideration. When the opinion of Colonel Davenport was asked, 
he answered, ' I am against an adjournment. The day of judg- 
ment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no 
cause for an adjournment : if it is, I choose to be found doing my 
duty. I wish, therefore, that candles may be brought.' " 

John G. Whittier makes allusion to " the dark day " and Mr. 
Davenport. 

*"Twas on a May-day of the far old year seventeen hundred 
eighty, that there fell over the bloom and sweet life of the spring, 
over the fresh earth and the heaven of noon, a horror of great 
darkness. . . . Birds ceased to sing, and all the barn yard fowls 
roosted. . . . The sounds of labor died;' men prayed and 
women wept. . . . Meanwhile in the old State House, sat the 
lawgivers of Connecticut. ... ' It is the Lord's Great Day ! 
Let us adjourn,' some said ; and then, as if wiih one accord, all 
eyes were turned to Abraham Davenport. He rose, slow cleav- 
ing with his steady voice the intolerable hush. 'This well may 
be the Day of Judgment. ... Be it so or not, I only know my 
present duty, and my Lord's command to occupy till he come. 
So at the post where he hath set me in his providence, I choose, 
for one, to meet him face to face, — no faithless servant frightened 
from my task, but ready when the Lord of the harvest calls. And 
therefore, with all reverence, I would say : Let God do his work, 
we will see to ours. Bring in the candles.' And they brought 
them in." 

Mr. Davenport married, first Elizabeth Huntington, whose 
mother was a sister of Jonathan Edwards ; second, Mrs. Martha 
Fitch. He had five children, all by the first wife. Two of the 
sons, John and James, became representatives in Congress. 

Abigail, half sister of Abraham, married Rev. Stephen Wil- 
liams, by whom she had eight children, three of whom became 
ministers, the aggregate period of whose ministry was over a 
hundred and fifty years. James, younger brother of Abraham, 
graduated at Yale College, entered the ministry, and accepted a 



ABRAHAM DAVENPORT. l6l 

charge at Southold, Long Island. In the days of Whitefield, 1740, 
he left his charge, gave way to an enthusiasm altogether 
immoderate, and " was the means of doing both good and evil." 
According to Rev. Dr. Beecher, " the first general revival wit- 
nessed in East Hampton, Long Island, commenced apparently, by 
the instrumentality of Mr. Davenport." In the summer of 1741, 
he visited Stonington, Conn. " Here it was said, riear one 
hundred persons were struck under conviction by his first sermon: 
and about that number converted in eight days, including about 
twenty Indians." [He made a public confession of his errors 
signed July 28, 1744, one paragraph of which reads as follows : 
" I would also penitently confess my great stiffness in retaining 
these aforesaid errors notwithstanding the friendly counsels of real 
friends, especially in the ministry."] 



JOHN DAVENPORT. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1799-1817.* 

John Davenport, eldest son of Abraham, was born in Stam- 
ford, Conn., January 16, 1752, died there November 28, 1830. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1770, and was tutor in the 
institution in 1773 and 1774. Entering the legal profession, he 
was soon called to take an important place among the Revolution- 
ary patriots of that day. 

In 1799 he was chosen Representative to Congress, to fill the 
vacancy occasioned by the death of his younger brother, James 
Davenport. This position he held for eighteen years, and during 
the administrations of the elder Adams, Jefferson and Monroe. 
He was punctual at his post from the opening to the adjournment 
of each session ; served on important committees ; was more 
prominent as a worker than a debater. He declined a re-election 
in 18 1 7, and spent the remainder of his days in the retirement of 
his country home, 

" He was a member of the Congregational Church in Stamford, 
of which he was chosen Deacon in 1795. In this office his emi- 
nent worth was ever shown in the character of a benevolent, 
active, and exemplary Christian." 

He was married to Mary S., daughter of Rev. Noah Wells, D. D., 
by his father, Abraham Davenport, Esq., May 7, 1780. They had 
seven children. The second son, John Alfred, was educated at 
Yale College, and for fifty years was a well known and prosperous 



* " The Davenport Family," by A. B. Davenport ; " Discourse," by Rev. 
E. L. Cleaveland. 

162 



JOHN DA V EN FOR T. 1 63 

merchant in the city of New York. The following reveals the 
story of his conversion while in college: "The year 1802, will 
ever be remembered in the history of the college for the extraor- 
dinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the institution. . . . 
Among those who shared in this blessed work of salvation, was 
John A. Davenport." 



THOMAS DAWES. 



REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT, 1 777. 

Thomas Dawes was born in Boston in 1731 ; died there January 
2, 1809. 

He received a common school education, and became an archi- 
tect. 

By a full vote of the inhabitants of Boston, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives in the General Court in 
the year 1777; was advanced to a seat in the Senate; finally 
was elected a member of the Council, and held this position a 
long term of years. By the death of Lieutenant-Governor Gill, 
then the Chief Magistrate of the State, he became President of 
the Council, and for a time was the first acting Magistrate in the 
Commonwealth. He was an Elector at the three first elections of 
President of the United States. 

"At the age of threescore years and ten, he saw fit to decline 
being a candidate for ofiice, and gave public notice of the inten- 
tion. He gradually withdrew from many other public engage- 
ments, observing among other reasons, that at such an advanced 
age, it was fit that the business of the present world should give 
way to the more interesting concerns of the future." By the 
Records of the Old South Church, Boston, " Mr. Dawes was 
baptized by the Rev. Dr. Sewall in that church in August, 1731. 
He was admitted as a member in full communion in 1749, being 
in his nineteenth year. In 1787, he was chosen a Deacon, in 
which he continued upwards of twenty-one years." 

* Address by Rev. Dr. Eckley; " Panoplist," 1S09 ; Drake ; Allen. 

164 



THOMAS DAWES. 1 65 

The interior of the Old South Church being destroyed by 
British troops during the Revolutionary war, Mr. Dawes drew the 
plan for repairs. 

His son, Thomas, graduated at Harvard College, entered the 
law, and in 1802, received the appointment of Judge of the Munic- 
ipal Court of Boston, which he held twenty years. 



JEREMIAH DAY. 



REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT, 1 766 

AND 1767.* 

Robert Day, early ancestor of Jeremiah, emigrated from Eng- 
land in 1634 ; settled first in Cambridge, Mass., and removed to 
Hartford, Conn. His wife was Editha, sister of Deacon Edward 
Stebbins. Both were exemplary members of the church in Hart- 
ford under the pastoral care of Rev. Thomas Hooker, and Rev. 
Samuel Stone. 

Thomas Day, father of Jeremiah, married Mary Wells, of Col- 
chester, Conn., removed to Sharon in or about, the year 1755, 
engaged in farming, and lived to the age of eighty-tvyo. 

Jeremiah Day was born at Colchester, January 25, 1737, died 
September 12, 1806. 

When a boy he worked on his father's farm, and attended 
school during the winter months. He graduated at Yale College 
in 1756, taught school in Sharon for a year, and then commenced 
the study of Divinity with Rev. Joseph Bellamy. After studying 
a year and a half, he again taught school. 

In 1763 he inherited a valuable farm on Sharon Mountain, 
where he settled and divided his time between study and agricul- 
tural labor. 

He became Selectman of the town of Sharon, and in October, 
1766, again in May, 1767, he represented the town in the General 
Assembly of the Colony. 

Afflictions came, and he renewed his attention to theological 
studies under the direction of Rev. Cotton Mather Smith, of 
Sharon, and was ordained pastor of the church at New Preston, 

*"Sprague's Annals," v. i ; Appleton. 
166 



JEREMIAH DA Y. 1 6/ 

January 31, 1770. In the fall of 1788 he made a missionary tour 
to Vermont. Here he found the home of Thomas Chittenden, 
now Governor of the State, with whom he had twenty years 
before been associated in legislative duties. He kept a journal, 
which is still preserved, and may hereafter be considered a valua- 
ble document in the history of missions. In the fall of 1794 he 
made a tour to New York and Pennsylvania ; was absent nine 
weeks, and preached fifty times. "Though not an animated 
orator, he was a solemn and impressive preacher. Always humble 
and exemplary, he appeared to be filled with love to the souls of 
men." He was a fair man in his deal. 

He was three times married. First to Sarah Mills, of Kent, 
sister to the clergymen, Samuel, John and Edward, and sister to 
the wife of his college classmate, Rev. Joel Bordwell, of Kent; 
second, to Lucy Wood, of Danbury; third, to Abigail, daughter 
of Stephen Noble, of New Milford, and widow of Rev. Sylvanus 
Osborn. By her he had five children, four sons and a daughter. 
Jeremiah graduated at Yale College ; was President of that insti- 
tution from 1817 to 1846; was the author of important mathemat- 
ical works which found place as text-books in 'schools and colleges. 
Thomas, another son, is brought forward in the following sketch. 

Mr. Day published several sermons, among them, " The Wisdom 
of God in the Permission of Sin," 1774. 



THOMAS DAY. 

CONNECTICUT SECRETARY OF STATE, 181O-1835.* 

Thomas Day, son of Jeremiah, was born in New Preston, Conn,, 
July 6, 1777, died at Hartford, March i, 1885. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1797, attended the law lectures 
of Judge Reeve, at Litchfield, for one year, was one year tutor in 
Williams College, completed his legal studies with Theodore 
Dwight, in 1799, was admitted to the Bar and commenced practice 
in Hartford. 

In October, 1809, he was appointed by the General Assembly 
Assistant Secretary of State, George Wyllys being Secretary ; in 
18 10 he was elected Secretary of State by the people, and was 
continued in that office for twenty-five successive years by annual 
re-elections. From 1802 to 1853, he reported the Decisions of 
the Supreme Court of Errors of Connecticut, and during this 
period seven different Chief-Justices presided in that court, hold- 
ing office until disqualified by age. 

Mr. Day was an exemplary Christian and was President of the 
Hartford County Missionary Society, auxiliary to the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. " He had a slight 
shock some weeks previous to his death, and remarked in legal 
phrase : ' I am now only a tenant at will, subject to eviction at 
the pleasure of the landlord. I have been served with due warn- 
ing.' " Judge Welles remarked of Mr. Day : " Spared the exhaust- 
ive contests which attend the active duties of his profession, he 
stood by, a calm, intelligent spectator of the conflict, recording 
the results. Possessing an easy fortune, blessed with all that is 



* Hartford Religious Herald ; " Memorial Biographies," New England Gen- 
ealogical Society, v. 2. 

168 



THOMAS DAY. 1 69 

valuable in possession for earth, and all that is che-ering in pros- 
l^ect for heaven . . ." 

He was six feet tall, with carriage erect, and manner impressive. 
He was severe toward himself, considerate toward others. His 
general tone was gentle, but he was capable of great sternness. 
There is a good portrait of him, full length, painted when over- 
seventy, in the rooms of the Connecticut Historical Society, of 
which he was one of the founders. 

He married, 18 13, Sarah, daughter of Wheeler Coit, of Preston, 
by whom he had eight children, two sons and six daughters. 



THOMAS DELAWARE. 

• FIRST GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, 161O.* 

Thomas Delaware, of England, in the year 1602, succeeded 
his father as third Lord Delaware; married Cecily, daughter of 
Sir Thomas Shirley ; was appointed Governor and Captain-Gen- 
eral of Virginia in America in 1609; visited England in 161 1, 
and died June 7, 1618, on return voyage to Virginia. 

In the year 1584, Queen Elizabeth delivered to Walter Raleigh 
a patent, authorizing him to discover, search, find out, and view, 
such remote heathen and barbarous lands as were not possessed 
by any Christian Prince, nor inhabited by Christian people. The 
said Walter Raleigh, his heirs and assigns, to hold, occupy and 
enjoy the same." 

On January 7, 1587, Raleigh made an assignment to divers 
merchants of London, and with this act gave ^100 for propagat- 
ing Christianity among the natives. One hundred and seventeen 
persons, on this year of assignment (1587) " safely arrived in 
Virginia, and remained to inhabit there." But little success 
attended these early adventurers by way of organizing a govern- 
ment. 

The first Charter of Virginia, was granted April 10, 1606, and 
ships were again fitted out. The paper which contained instruc- 
tions to be observed, " when it shall please God to send you on 
the coast of Virginia," closed with these words : " Lastly and 
chiefly; the way to prosper and achieve good success, is to make 
yourselves all of one mind for the good of your country' and your 



* " Virginia Vetusta," and " Virginia Company of London," by Neill; Haz- 
ard's " Historical Collections " ;• Broadhead's " History of New York " ; Belk- 
nap's " American Biography." 

170 



THOMAS DEL A WARE. 1 7 1 

own, and to serve and fear God, the Giver of all Goodness ; for 
every plantation which our Heavenly Father hath not planted 
shall be rooted out." 

A new Charter was granted May 23, 1609, " transferring several 
important powers before reserved to the Crown." 

" Under this second Charter of King James, Thomas Delaware 
was appointed Governor, Thomas Gates, Lieutenant-Governor, 
George Somers, Admiral, and Christopher Newport, Vice-Admiral. 
A few days before the charter was sealed, an expedition consist- 
ing of nine vessels, was equipped and dispatched for Virginia, 
with five hundred emigrants. Delaware did not leave England 
with the expedition, but delegated the command for the time 
being to Gates, Somers and Newport." 

On February 21, 1610, William Crashaw, preacher at the Tem- 
ple, London, delivered a sermon in presence of Delaware, in view 
of his departure from England to America. At the conclusion, 
the preacher addressed him : 

" And thou most noble lord, whom God hath stirred up to 
neglect the pleasures of England, and with Abraham to go from 
thy country, and forsake thy kindred and thy father's house, to go 
to a land which God will show thee, give me leave to speak the 
truth. Thy ancestor many hundred years ago gained great honor 
to thy house, but by this action, thou hast augmented it. . . . 
Remember thou art a General of English men, nay, a General of 
Christian men ; therefore principally look to religion. You go to 
commend it to the heathen, then practise it yourself; make the 
name of Christ honorable, not hateful unto them." The preacher 
on this occasion added : " And thou Virginia, whom, though 
mine eyes see not, my heart shall love, how hath God honored 
thee ! Thou hast thy name from the worthiest Queen that ever 
the world had, .... and thou shalt have thy fame under the 
conduct of a General of as great and ancient nobility as any ever 
engaged in action of this nature." 

On April i, 16 10, Delaware embarked at Cowes for Virginia, 
with three vessels laden with supplies ; and on the Lord's day, 
June 10, they came to anchor before Jamestown. " As soon as 
Delaware came on shore, he fell down on his knees and continued 
some time in silent devotion. He then went to church, and after 



172 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

service, his commission was read, which constituted him * Gov- 
ernor and Captain-General during his life, of the Colony and 
Plantation of Virginia.' " 

In a letter to the London Company, dated Jamestown, July 7, 
1610, he writes : " The loth of June being Sunday, I brought my 
ship, and ii> the afternoon went ashore ; where after a sermon by 
Mr. Buck, I caused my commission to be read : upon which, Sir 
Thomas Gates delivered up unto me his own commission, both pa- 
tents, and the Council Seal, and then I delivered a few words unto 
the company ; laying some blame on them for many vanities, and 
their idleness ; earnestly wishing that I might no more find it so. 
The 1 2th of June, I did constitute, and gave places of office and 
charge, to divers Captains and Gentlemen, and elected unto me a 
Council, unto whom I administered an oath of faith, assistance 
and secrecy." 

Before the expiration of a year, his health failed, and accom- 
panied by Dr. Behune and Captain Argall, he went to the Western 
Isles to recruit, and thence to his native land. Thomas Dale was 
made Deputy-Governor, and Delaware still held the position of 
Governor-General. 

Delaware's three brothers were identified with Virginia — 
Francis was Governor, John was Muster Master-General, and 
Nathaniel was a member of the Council. 

Two forts, called Henry and Charles, after the King's sons, 
were erected by Delaware, on a level tract bordering Southamp- 
ton River. 



WILLIAM EARLE DODGE. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1866.* 

William Dodge, of Dorsetshire, England, early ancestor of 
William E., was among the passengers of The Lyons Whelpe, 
which arrived at Salem, July lo, 1629, He took part in founding 
Beverly Church, in 1667. 

David Low Dodge, father of William E., " learned his letters 
and received some of his first religious impressions from a venera- 
ble Irish schoolmistress, whose pious memory he always cher- 
ished." He grew up fond of reading and study, taught school in 
his early manhood, and obtained reputation as a teacher of youth. 
In 1805, he entered upon mercantile business in the city of New 
York ; withdrawing from this, he became head of the Bozrah 
Manufacturing Company, in connection with which he erected the 
first cotton mill in the State of Connecticut, His religious zeal 
kept pace with his business energy. On one occasion he spent a 
week at Simsbury, assisting at revival meetings in the church 
then under the care of Rev. Jeremiah Hallock. " The associates 
who established the cotton mill at Bozrahville, sought at their 
first meeting, the Divine guidance, and then signed a covenant 
pledging themselves to maintain as a primary object, a moral and 
religious establishment." Sarah Cleveland, wife of Mr. Dodge, 
and mother of William E., was a woman of sound judgment and 
earnest piety, and was one of the seven mothers who originated 
the New York City Maternal Association. She prayed with and 
for her children. 

William Earle Dodge, of the seventh generation from William 

* "Memorials of William E. Dodge;" compiled and edited by D. Stuart 
Dodge ; Randolph & Company, 1887. 

173 



1/4 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Dodge, was born in Hartford, Conn., September 4, 1805, died in 
New York, February 9, 1883. 

He received a good, common school education. His father's 
experience as a teacher was of service to him in the selection of 
books, and the carrying on of courses of study. As a young man, 
he mastered many solid works, including several standard his- 
tories. 

In an address delivered in New York, at the Young Men's 
Christian Association Hall, April 27, 1880, Mr. Dodge says : 

"The year 18 18 found me a boy in a wholesale dry-goods store. 
No. 304 Pearl Street, near Peck Slip. . It was a different thing 
to be a boy in a store in those days from what it is now .... 
I u^ed to be up soon after light, walk to Vandewater Street 
[for the keys], and then to the store very early. It was to be 
sprinkled with water, which I brought the evening before from 
the old pump at the corner of Peck Slip and Pearl Street, then 
carefully swept and dusted. Afterwards came sprinkling the 
sidewalk and street, and sweeping to the centre a heap for the 
dirt-cart to remove. This done, one of the older clerks would 
come, and I was permitted to go home for breakfast. In winter 
the wood was to be carried and piled in the cellar, tires were to be 
made, and lamps trimmed. Junior clerks in those days did the 
work of porters now. ... It was quite an event for tlie country 
merchants to visit the city. They generally came twice a year, — 
.those from North and East, by the Sound or North River, in sloops 
or schooners ; those from the West and South, by stage, or by 
lines of vessels along the coast. . . . The fashionable residences 
were chiefly around the Battery, and up Broadway and Green- 
wich to Cortlandt Street. Not more than twenty-five families 
kept a two-horse carriage. The Post Office was in the parlors 
of a private house, altered for the purpose, at the corner of Wil- 
liam Street and Exchange Place. I well remember the fun we 
boys had While waiting for the office to open, crowding eacli 
other up the line. Postage was so high that letters were sent by 
private hands as frequently as possible. Wood was almost the 
only fuel ;. stoves and furnaces had not yet come into use. How 
my feet and fingers have ached, as I have stood at the desk of a 
bitter morning ! " 



WILLIAM EARLE DODGE. 1 75 

In 18 1 9, his father removed with the family to Connecticut, to 
engage, as before mentioned, in manufacturing at Bozrahville. 
William E. took a position as clerk in the store connected with 
the factory. By way of encouragement to earn something for 
himself, his father gave him the use of a separate show-case, 
where he deposited small articles from pedlers and others, and 
sold them at a moderate advance. He became so busy that he 
neglected his regular meals, ate crackers and cheese as he went 
about the store, and thus brought on nervous prostration. When 
he began to recover, the season for huckleberries had come, of 
which he ate freely, and took long drives in a wagon without 
springs. . 

In 1825 the mill was sold, the family returned to New York, a 
drj^-goods store was opened, and William assisted. In 1827 he 
left his father, and began the wholesale dry-goods business on his 
own account at 213 Pearl Street. He makes allusion in his 
lecture on Old New York. 

"A retired Connecticut merchant with whom I had done busi- 
ness, having heard that I was intending to commence for myself, 
proposed a copartnership with his son just graduated from Yale. 
He offered to furnish an amount of capital, which, with the small 
sum I had, (mostly savings from my salary), would make for those 
days a respectable beginning. ... As my partner had no ex- 
perience, I felt the more responsibility. A few weeks after we 
started, and when our stock of goods was small, three young men, 
Connecticut pedlers, stepped into the store, each having two large 
tin trunks which they carried in their hands, aided by a large strap 
over the shoulders. . . . While they set down their loads to 
rest and talk, I said to them: *I see you are, like myself, just 
starting in business ; let me make you a proposition. There is 
plenty of room in our store ; each of you take one of these pigeon- 
holes under the shelves, put your trunks there in place of carrying 
them around while you are picking up your goods, and order all 
you buy to be sent here. We will take charge of your purchases, 
pack and ship them, and you can come here and examine your 
bills, write letters, and do as you like, whether you buy a dollar of 
us or not. It will be an advantage to us, as w-ell as a convenience 
to you.' They were pleased with the offer, accepted it at once, 



1/6 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

and for the six years during which I remained in the dry-goods 
business for myself, were among my most attached customers." 

In the year 1833 a partnership was formed, which took the firm 
name of Phelps, Dodge & Co. 

Mr. Dodge devoted time and money for the support of the Gov- 
ernment during the Rebellion. 

In 1872 he was chosen delegate from the Sixth District of New 
York City to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia. 
From that city he writes, June 5th : " No convention ever had 
fewer office-holders. There are a number of colored delegates 
from the South. . . . Three of them were called out, and made 
remarkable speeches on the spur of the moment. To-morrow we 
shall nominate Grant by acclamation." 

He served his district as Representative to the Thirty-ninth 
Congress. The matter was first opened to him while attending 
the meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, held at Worcester, Mass., in a letter dated New York, 
October 6, 1864. " Your fellow-citizens of the Eighth Congressional 
District believe that you are the only man in it who can carry the 
district in the interests of good government and union. On this 
account we have made bold, against your knowledge and wishes, 
to use your name. It has been received in every quarter with the 
highest commendation. At a public meeting of the Eighteenth 
Ward Union Association it was, ' Resolved, that in times like 
these .... we ought to send to the capital of the United States 
such men as sat in the Continental Congress in the era of 1776. 
The people of the Eighth District have found a man of this type in 
the incorruptible merchant, the honorable, able, and accomplished 
citizen, William E. Dodge." The Eighth District included that 
part of the city east of Fifth Avenue, and between Fourteenth and 
Forty-second Streets. 

Among his speeches in Congress was one in behalf of the bill to 
secure a site for the General Post Office in the city of New York. 
He said : " Within the last ten years in the city of New York the 
daily mail has increased from thirty to a hundred tons. The 
property now offered by the Corporation of New York to the 
United States Government for a post office, and for the United 
States courts, at the nominal siim of $500,000, would sell at public 



WILLIAM EARLE DODGE. 1 7/ 

auction to-morrow for from three to five million dollars. It is an 
opportunity such as the Government can seldom obtain. It is the 
most feasible, the most eligible spot in the city for the purpose, 
and, although there is great objection to using a portion of our 
public park for a post office, yet such is the necessity and such 
the desire to accommodate the United States Government, that the 
Corporation has yielded a plot of ground at the lower end of the 
public park equal to twenty-six lots." 

The adjustment of the altered relations of the late Confederate 
States became important matter of discussion. The views pre- 
sented by Mr. Dodge were much commended for their excellence 
and wisdom. " I do hope, Mr. Speaker, that neither the bill of 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania, nor the amendment of the gen- 
tleman from Ohio will pass. No man on this floor is more 
strongly in favor than I am of protecting the best interests of the 
colored race. . . . But the very fact that the white population 
of the South by this bill are to be almost universally degraded, 
while the colored men are elevated above them, is not, in my 
opinion, calculated at all to promote the best interests of either." 

He was a temperance man, and favored the cause of total absti- 
nence. In 1882 some zealous friends requested him to allow his 
name to be proposed for Mayor of New York. Still later, he was 
urged to consent to be nominated for Governor of the State as 
candidate of the growing temperance party. While he believed 
Christian men should vote as they pray, he felt it would be wiser 
at that time for the advocates of temperance to side with the 
party which represented the best elements of the people, and had 
already carried some measures for the suppression of the liquor 
traffic, and was willing to favor still others. Under the circum- 
stances then existing, he considered this course more for the real 
interest of the cause than to make a distinct temperance issue, 
with every probability of so dividing the vote as to throw victory 
into the hands of avowed enemies. 

From his earliest years William had been singularly responsive 
to religious impressions. He listened thoughtfully and candidly 
to what was said from the pulpit and in private gatherings. When 
the family resided at Bozrah, revival meetings were held in Hart- 
ford, conducted by Rev. Dr. Nettleton. William's father took 



1/8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

pains to send him into the city from time to time with a load of 
cotton goods, hoping that the awakening influences would reach 
him. On one occasion he arranged to have his son stay with 
friends who, he knew, were interested in the meetings. For a 
week or more William attended the solemn services, and was 
deeply impressed. As he was about to return he called upon Dr. 
Hawes, pastor of the Centre Church, and he never forgot his part- 
ing remark : " What ! going home, and taking that hard heart 
with you?" The words came again and again to mind as he 
drove slowly back alone. Soon after, at a prayer meeting con- 
ducted on that occasion by Mr. Erastus Hyde, assistant agent in 
the mill, an invitation was given to any who felt anxious respect- 
ing their spiritual condition and desired the prayers of Christians, 
to signify their wish by rising. William was instantly upon his feet. 
His next younger sister, Mary, joined him, and in a few moments 
ten or twelve others. It was the beginning of a revival that 
spread through the community and extended into the country 
around. From that Sabbath evening, June 8, 182 1, William's life 
seemed to take on new earnestness. The decision he had made 
was final, and without reserve. One of his first steps was to 
induce a few young converts in the village to establish a meeting 
for mutual Bible study and prayer. On the first Sabbath in May, 
1822, he, in company with his sister Mary and several others, 
united with the Congregational Church in Bozrah, then under the 
pastoral care of Rev. David Austin. From this time onward, Mr. 
Dodge was the friend of- revivals, laboring in season and out of 
season for the good of souls. 

"In the Congressional prayer meeting, where members of all 
sections and of every shade of religious belief met to supplicate 
the favor of the God of nations, Mr. Dodge was a prompt attend- 
ant and the animating soul." 

During the revival of 1858 he wrote to a friend with whom he 
had long been associated in various enterprises, and for whom he 
again and again expressed solicitude: "For many years I have 
been in the habit of meeting you in business circles, and have re- 
peatedly admired your prompt action and great executive talents. 
I have always felt a deep interest in your prosperity ; at the same 
time I have often been anxious lest you should be satisfied with 



WILLIAM EARLE DODGE. 1 79 

riches, which can at best last but a few years. The providence 
of God has of late, in a remarkable manner, visited our city and 
land. First, by the panic which led all to see how vain were 
human calculations. But now He has come by His Spirit, touch- 
ing the heart, and leading hundreds of business men to understand 
the importance of receiving a better portion than this world can 
give. Never has there been such a time since we have been on 
the stage when, speaking after the manner of men, it was so easy 
to find the ' pearl of great price.' . . . Oh, my dear friend, that 
you could but open your eyes and see your true position, and the 
danger that, with all this world can give, you may go unprepared 
to the bar of God! Why will you not take time to look at this 
matter calmly, and ask yourself, ' What shall it profit me if I gain 
the whole world and lose my own soul .'' ' 1 venture to enclose a 
little paper, which I trust you will read carefully, and put ta your- 
self the inquiry, ' Am I not the man ? ' I am confident you 
will appreciate the motive which induces me to write to you, when 
I say that for many days I have been thinking much about you, 
and have been daily praying that God would visit you with 
heavenly blessings." 

In an address delivered December, 1872, at the Lay Workers' 
College in Brooklyn, he says : " Christ died not only to open the 
prison door but to open the palace gate, and give men everlasting 
life. Impelled by this solemn truth, we shall say as we look and 
see men perishing, * llere am I, send me. Use me in whatever 
way I can do most to save lost sinners.' A saved sinner myself, I 
can declare that God desires not the death of the wicked. He 
says to all, ' Turn ye : why will ye die ? ' " 

To a friend he wrote concerning one in whom he was inter- 
ested : " Urge her right up to the point of submission, and giving 
up alllox Christ — no half way — if she would be happy." 

To a friend he wrote from Wellsboro, Pa., March 13, 1856 : " I 
was urged to return at once to the city on very important business, 
but I could not, or did not dare to leave. God's power has been 
so wonderful for the past two days, and I have so many on my 
hands and heart apparently just on the turning-point of their des- 
tiny that I cannot go. Last night some four or five of the most 
prominent men of the place .... who the Sabbath before were 



1 80 yi MERICAN CHRIS TIAN RULERS. 

among the anxious, and for whom we had been praying and labor- 
ing, arose in the meeting to tell what God had done for them, and 
to urge others to come to Christ." 

In view of the harvest so great and the laborers so few, he was 
willing by his benevolence to aid men by a short course into the 
ministry. In March, 1862, he wrote: "I wish to aid, by a short 
course, men from tw^enty-one to thirty, of more than ordinary 
talent and approved piety, who with a good common educa- 
tion have learned to take the lead in Sabbath schools and prayer 
meetings, and are, in fact, the right arms of the pastors. Such 
men often long for the ministry, but feel they are too old to com- 
mence studying for it. I would give them two or three years of 
training, and theh send them out to increase their stock as they go 
— good, practical, common-sense men, who will be a blessing to 
many a young church in the more sparsely-settled regions." 

In early manhood Mr. Dodge sought the acquaintance of 
Melissa, second daughter of Anson G. Phelps. The request to be 
permitted to address the daughter closes : " Praying that God, 
whose unseen hand directs in all the concerns of life, may lead 
you to that conclusion which may be for His glory and our good 
for time and eternity, I subscribe myself," etc. Mr. Phelps 
replies : "We shall ever study to promote the happiness of our be- 
loved daughter, and if complying with your very respectful request 
concides with her views, it will meet with our perfect approbation. 
Permit me here to remark that in addition to the esteem we have 
ever had for you personally, it is greatly strengthed by the long 
and uninterrupted friendship subsisting between your family and 
our own. Trusting the same Hand that has led you both to seek 
a better good than this world can afford, will still cause His Word 
to be as a cloudy pillar by day and a light of fire by night to guide 
you safely through this wilderness, and finally to give you an 
inheritance among the just, we remain your affectionate friends." 

Mr. Dodge and Miss Phelps were married June 24, 1828, at 32 
Cliff Street, Dr. Gardiner Spring, of the Brick Church, officiating. 
At the golden wedding, Mr. Dodge gave the following address : 

" My dear children, grandchildren, and friends : We have in- 
vited you to join with us to-day in a tribute of thanksgiving to our 
Heavenly Father for the special mercy which has prolonged our 



WILLIAM EARLE DODGE. l8l 

lives, and permitted us to look back upon a life of fifty years. 
Our song this morning is, 'Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget 
not all his benefits ;' ' Surely goodness and mercy have followed 
us all the days of our lives.' We feel that, under God, we owe all 
we are to the tender, faithful care of our godly parents, who from 
infancy dedicated us to God, and by constant Christian watchful- 
ness and prayer brought us up in His fear, and rejoiced to see us 
in early youth consecrate ourselves to His service, — both uniting 
with the church the same year .... And we say, for the sake of 
our children and grandchildren, that from the beginning of our 
married life, we have alway been frank and open between our- 
selves in all our Christian experience, talking freely to each other, 
and often praying together for special blessings upon ourselves 
and children. . . . We have always watched, even in little things, 
to do all in our power to add to each other's happiness, and never 
allow even an impolite word, or anything, to dampen our mutual 
respect and love. ... I feel it due to her to say to-day that, in 
all these fifty years, not an unkind word has ever been spoken to 
me by my dear wife, and what I am, under God, I owe very much 
to our sweet intercourse together." 

Seven sons, with their families, were present on this occasion. 

The summer home of Mr, Dodge was some thirty miles north of 
New York, on a hillside overlooking the Hudson, and half a mile 
south of the village of Tarrytown. 

His bequests were as follows : 

Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, . $50,000 
American Board, ...... 50,000 

Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, . 50,000 

Education of Young Men for the Ministry, 50,000 

American Bible Society, ..... 10,000 

American Tract Society, .... 20,000 

American Sunda)- School Union, . . . 10,000 

National Temperance Society, . . . 10,000 

City Mission and Tract Society, . . . 20,000 

Presbyterian Board of Publication, , . 10,000 

Lincoln University, . ..... 10,000 

Children's Aid Society, 5,000 



I82 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



Howard University, ..... $5,000 

Atlanta University, 5, 000 

Hampton Institute, 5,000 

Presbyterian Board for Aged Ministers, . , 5,000 
American Seamen's Friend Society, . . 5,000 
International Com. of Y. M. C. A., . . . 5,000 

McAuley Mission, 5, 000 

Syrian Protestant College, .... 20,000 

Metropolitan Museum of Art, . . . 5,000 

American Museum of Natural History, . . 5,000 

The bequests were to be paid by installments running through 
five years. The two houses, one on Madison Avenue, New York, 
and the other at Tarrytown, were given to Mrs. Dodge, with a 
liberal amount for her support, and the remainder of the estate 
was divided between the seven sons. 



THOMAS DUDLEY. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1634, 1640, 1645, 1650.* 

Thomas Dudley, only son of Captain Roger Dudley, was born 
in Northampton County, England, in 1576, died in Roxbury, 
Mass., July 31, 1652. 

He sailed for New England in 1630, in the ship Arbella, and 
while the vessel was at anchor in the harbor of Cowes, he was 
chosen Deputy-Governor of Massachusetts. He served as Gov- 
ernor in the years 1634, 1640, 1645, and 1650. 

He was for a time a resident of Boston, and finally fixed his 
home in Roxbury, " where his estate was long possessed by his 
descendants." 

In the religious concerns of the colony he was prominent. 
"They observed a day of fasting on the 30th of July [at Charles- 
town the year of their arrival], .... and at the close of the 
services Governor Winthrop, Deputy-Governor Dudley, Mr. Isaac 
Johnson and Mr. Wilson entered into a solemn covenant with 
God and each other; thus forming themselves into a church, 
afterwards known as the First Church in Boston." Mr. Dudley 
was one of three brethren, who in turn carried on the public 
services of the church from March to November, during the 
absence of their pastor. Rev. Mr. Wilson, on a visit to England. 

In a letter to the Countess of Lincoln, Mr, Dudley says : "If 
any godly men, out of religious ends, will come over to help us in 
the good work we are about, I think they cannot dispose of them- 
selves nor of their estates more to God's glory and the further- 
ance of their own reckoning; but they must not be of the poorer 
sort yet for divers years. For we have found by experience that 

* Moore's " Governors of New Plymouth " ; Morton ; Sprague ; " Collections 
of N. II. Historical Society "; Johnson, Drake. 

183 



1 84 ^ ME RICA N CHRIS TIA N K ULERS. 

they have hindered, not furthered the work. ... If there be any- 
imbued with grace, and furnished with means to feed themselves 
and theirs for eighteen months, and to build and plant, let them 
come into our Macedonia and help us." 

" Mr. Dudley served the people in a public capacity many years, 
at his own cost, and that as a nursing father to the churches of 
Christ. He was exact in the practice of piety, in his person and 
family all his life. He should be remembered and mentioned with 
reverence and esteem, though there be some features of undue 
severity in his character. He was zealous beyond measure 
against all sorts of heretics. Isaac Johnson speaks of him as 
' the honored, aged, stable and sincere servant of Christ, zealous 
for his truth.' " 

Mr. Dudley married his first wife in England, " a woman of 
considerable estate." She died in 1643, ^"^ the following year 
he married Catherine Hackburne, widow of Samuel Hackburne. 
She survived Mr. Dudley, and was married to Rev. John Allin, of 
Dedham, November 8, 1653, a little more than three months after 
the Governor's death. Children of Mr. Dudley : Samuel, settled in 
the ministry at Exeter, N. H., married Mary, daughter of Governor 
Winthrop ; Annie, at the age of sixteen, married Simon Brad- 
street ; Mercy became the wife of Rev. John Woodbridge ; Joseph 
became Governor of Massachusetts. 



JOSEPH DUDLEY. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1702-1715.* 

Joseph Dudley, son of Governor Thomas Dudley, was born at 
Roxbury, September 23, 1647, died there April 2, 1720, 

" He was the son of the Governor's old age, being born after 
his father had attained the age of seventy years. He graduated 
at Harvard College in 1665 ; was chosen a Representative in the 
State Legislature from Roxbury in 1673, re-elected the two follow- 
ing years, and in 1685 was appointed President of Massachusetts 
and New Hampshire. He visited England as agent of the 
province in 1682 ; in 1693, again visited England, and was eight 
years Deputy-Governor of the Isle of Wight under Lord Cutts. 
On the death of King William, he returned with commission from 
Queen Anne as Governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 
arriving at Boston, June 11, 1702. He continued in office until 
1 7 15, when Mr. Shute became Governor." 

The public career of Governor Dudley appears to have been 
objectionable in certain quarters, and he had occasion to write to 
Revs. Increase and Cotton Mather. 

"Roxbury, February 3, 1707. 
" Gentlemen : — 

" Yours of the 20th instant I received ; and the contents both as to the 
matter and manner, astonish me to the last degree. ... I trust that I am not 
so lost to the spirit of Christianity, but I am always ready to sustain with 
thankfulness all well designed reproofs, administered with a proper temper 
and spirit; and am disposed to take my reprover into my bosom. But I should 
be stupid not to distinguish between reproaches, and Christian admonitions. I 
always thought that some of the laws of wise and Christian reproof were: 
That the things reproved be as to fact notorious, and not bare matters of fears, 
jealousy, and evil surmising : That these facts be evident breaches of some 

* Moore's " Governors of New Plymouth " ; Allen's " Biographical Diction- 
ary " ; " Massachusetts Historical Collections." 

18S 



1 86 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

known laws of Christianity : That the admonitions be not administered with 
bitterness, or vilifying, ignominious language, but with a spirit of meekness : 
That a superior be treated with a respectful distance ; not reviled, not stigma- 
tized as the most profligate, but entreated as a father : That the admonition be 
reasonable, when the reprover as well as the reproved are in the best temper, 
and there is least reason to suspect him influenced by prejudice, wrath and ill 
will. 

" How far these wise laws of Christian reproof, as well as others that might 
be mentioned, have been observed, in your late pretended faithful and con- 
scientious admonitions, I do seriously recommend to your thoughts, when you 
retire before the searcher of hearts to prove these with your other works. . . . 
But I will suppose all the matters of fact were true, and that I were as a Chris- 
tian accountable to you for them. . . . Can you think it the most proper 
season to do me good by your admonitions, when you have taken care to let 
the world know you are' out of frame, and filled with the last prejudice against 
my person and government? .... It is vain to pretend Christian love and 
respect or zeal for the honor of God, or public good ; vain to pretend pres- 
sures of conscience just at this season. . . . After all, though I have reason to 
complain to heaven and earth of your unchristian rashness, and wrath and 
injustice, 1 would yet maintain a Christian temper towards you. I do therefore 
now assure you, that I shall be ready to give you all the satisfaction Christi- 
anity requires, .... when with a proper temper and spirit, giving me timely 
notice, you do see meet to make me a visit for that end. ... I am your 

humble servant, 

" J. Dudley. 
" To the Rev. Drs. Mather." * 

The following is recorded of Mr. Dudley: "He was a sincere 
Christian, whose virtues attracted general esteem ; though in the 
conflict of political parties, his character was frequently assailed. 
While in his family he devoutly addressed the Supreme Being ; he 
also prayed with his children separately for their everlasting wel- 
fare, and did not think it humbling to impart religious instruction 
to his servants." 

Mr. Bancroft it would seem, commits an error when he states : 
"The character of Dudley was that of profound selfishness. He 
possessed prudence and the inferior virtues, and was as good a 
Governor as one could be, who loved neither freedom nor his 
native land." 

Mr. Dudley was married in 1668, to Rebecca, daughter of 
Edward Tyng, of Boston, afterwards of Dunstable. They had 
twelve children. Three sons graduated at Harvard College. 
His son Paul became Chief-Justice of Massachusetts. 



WILLIAM DUMMER. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, I716.* 

Richard Dummer, grandfather of William^ was born in Eng- 
land in 1599, and came to America from the parish of Bishop- 
stoke, near Southampton, in 1632. He lived four years in 
Roxburyand Boston; then established himself at Newbury. Here 
he was from the beginning a man of mark, and was the largest 
landholder in the place. He was a magistrate, and was promi- 
nent in church affairs. Isaac Johnson gives quaint expression as 
follows : " This town [Newbury] is stored with meadow and 
upland, which hath caused some gentlemen who brought over 
good estates, and, finding no better way to improve them, to set 
upon husbandry; among whom that religious and sincere-hearted 
servant of Christ, Mr. Richard Dummer, sometime a magistrate 
in this little commonwealth, hath holpen on this town." Of 
Richard's five sons, Jeremiah became a silversmith, settled in 
Boston, and was the father of Jeremy and William. 

William Dummer, subject of this sketch, was born in Boston in 
1677, died there in 1761. 

He is introduced in history as living at Plymouth, England, and 
acting as Commissioner for his native colony. While thus occu- 
pied, he received from government in the year 1716, through the 
influence of William Ashurst, the appointment of Lieutenant- 
Governor of Massachusetts, Mr. Shute being Governor. In 1720 
the Court reduced the annual grant or salary from ;^5o to ;^35. 
Mr. Dummer informed the Court that, " having the honor to bear 
the King's Commission for Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, 

* Elliot's " Biographical Dictionary " ; Cleveland's " Centennial Discourse "; 
" History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company," by ^YhitmanJ 
" Historical Collections of the American Colonial Church," Massachusetts. 

187 



1 88 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

and having been annually more than ;^5o out of pocket in that 
service, he did not think it for his honor to accept of their grant." 
In 1722 the administration devolved upon him, Governor Shute 
having left the province for England, and he served as Com- 
mander-in-Chief, until the arrival of Governor Burnet in 1728. 

Sa3^s Rev, Mather Byles, Mr, Dummer's pastor in Hollis Street, 
Boston : " The wise and successful administration of Mr. Dummer, 
will be remembered with honor, and considered as a pattern 
worthy the imitation of future governors. Firmly attached to the 
religion of Jesus, he received its doctrines with submission, 
attended its institutions with reverence, and practiced its precepts 
with uniformity." Referring to his religious character, another 
has said : " He was constant in his family devotions ; he applied 
himself to the perusal of pious books, and, at stated times, he re- 
tired to his closet for prayer." 

At a convention of ministers of the Gospel from different parts 
of the province, assembled at Boston on the 27th of May, 1725, 
the following Memorial was adopted : 

" To the Honorable William Dummer, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander- 
in-Chief, to the Honorable Representatives in General Court assembled 
and now sitting : 

" Considering the great decay of piety in the country, and the growth of many 
miscarriages .... it is humbly desired that the General Court would express 
their concern for the interests of religion by calling the several churches in the 
province to meet, by their pastors and messengers, in a Synod, and from thence 
offer their advice upon that weighty case which the circumstances of the day 
do loudly call to be considered. What are the miscarriages whereof we have 
reason to think the judgments of Heaven upon us, call us to be more gen,erally 
sensible.'' What may be the most evangelical and effectual expedients to put 
a stop to those or the like miscarriages ? This proposal we humbly make in 
hopes that if it be prosecuted, it may be followed with many desirable conse- 
quences, worthy the study of those whom God has made, and we are so happy 
to enjoy, as the nursing Fathers of our Churches. 

" CoTroN Mather, 
" In name of ministers assembled." 

Dummer Academy, located in Byfield Parish, Newbury, the 
oldest institution of the kind in New England, was founded by 
Lieutenant-Governor Dummer in 1756. 

To Harvard College he made a bequest — another to the poor 



WILL I A M D UMMER. 1 89 

of specified churches in liis town ; " to each of the ministers of the 
Gospel, within the town of Boston, that lead in divine service on 
Lord's Day, he gave a gold ring worth twenty shillings " ; to his 
servants : " I do hereby manumit and set free my negro servants, 
and do give unto my negro man, Peter, twenty-six pounds, thirteen 
shillings and fourpence, lawful money, which sum I will and order, 
to be paid into the hands of John Pierpont, of Newbury, to be by 
him used and improved for the best advantage and profit of my 
said negro man." 

Mr. Dummer was married to Katharine, daughter of Joseph 
Dudley, " a lady distinguished for piety and benevolence." They 
had no children. 



TIMOTHY DWIGHT. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1 78 1, 1 782.* 

John Dwight, the first ancestor of the family in this country, 
came from Dedham, Enghind, aird settled at Dedham, Mass., in 
1637. 

Timothy, son of John, resided at Dedham, and lived to the 
age of eight3'-eight. He was six times married, and had fifteen 
children. 

Nathaniel, son of Timothy, by his wife, Anna Flint, married in 
Hatfield, a daughter of Colonel Partridge; settled about 1695 in 
Northampton, " was a trader, farmer, justice of the peace, a land 
surveyor, a decidedly religious man." He had eleven children. 

Timothy (Colonel), oldest child of Nathaniel, resided at North- 
ampton, and lived to the age of seventy-six. He was surveyor, 
magistrate, and judge of probate. 

Timothy, son of Colonel Timothy, graduated at Yale College, 
and resided at Northampton. He was an extensive trader, a large 
landholder, and for sixteen years was Judge of the court of com- 
mon pleas. He was a man of fervent piety, and great purity 
of life. He married Mary, the third daughter of Jonathan 
Edwards, who became a mother at eighteen. 

Timothy Dwight, subject of this sketch, son of Timothy and 
Mary Dwight, was born at Northampton, Mass., May 14, 1752 ; 
died at New Haven, Conn., January 11, 1817. 

He pursued his early education at home under the care of his 
mother. In addition to his stated tasks, he watched the cradle of 
his younger brothers. 

He graduated at Yale College at the age of seventeen, and be- 

* Clark's "Northampton Antiquities"; Sprague's "Annals"; Sparks' 
" American Biography "; Memoirs prefixed to Dwight' s Theology. 

190 . 



TIMO THY D WIGHT. 1 9 1 

came a tutor in the institution at nineteen. More than half the 
members of his class were older than himself, and the freshman 
who waited upon him was thirty-two years of age. While tutor 
his health became impaired, and his physician advised, among 
other things, a daily course of vigorous bodily exercise. He took 
his advice, and employed much time in walking and riding on 
horseback. In May of 1777, owing to the military disturbances 
of the country, college was broken up, and Mr, Dwight retired 
with his class to Wethersfield, 

Early in June of this year he was licensed as a preacher. In 
October he joined the army at West Point, as Chaplain to General 
Parsons' brigade. He wrote patriotic songs, among them "Col- 
umbia," After a year's service in the army, news of his father's 
death obliged him to resign, and return to his home in NorthamiD- 
ton. Here he remained several years, " the staff and stay of the 
family." He labored, more or less, upon the farm, carried on a 
school, and preached in vacant parishes on the Sabbath. 

He served the town as Representative in the State Legislature 
in the years 1781 and 1782. While thus in service, a petition for 
a grant in behalf of Harvard College came before the Legislature, 
but did not meet with favor. In a speech of about an hour in 
length, Mr. Dwight changed the feelings of the House, and pro- 
cured nearly a unanimous vote in favor of the college. His 
friends advised him to quit the ministry and devote himself to 
public life. Governor Phillips, though a man of distinguished 
piety, gave it as his opinion, that he ought to remain in civil life. 
While in the Legislature he preached in Boston and the neighbor- 
hood, and received invitations to settle at Beverly and at Charles- 
town, which he declined. 

In 1783, he was ordained pastor of the church at Greenfield, 
Conn., with an annual compensation of $500, the use of six acres 
of land, and twenty cords of wood. This compensation being in- 
sufficient, he established an academy in the place, and during the 
twelve years of his residence there, instructed upwards of one 
thousand pupils. In 1794, he was invited to the pastorate of the 
Reformed Dutch Church of Albany, but declined. 

In 1795 Mr. Dwight accepted the Presidency of Yale College, 
and held the position twenty years. 



192 AMERICAN CHKISriAN RULERS. 

Infidelity prevailed in the institution. Numbers had assumed 
the names of the principal English and French infidels. Forensic 
disputation was an exercise of the senior class, and questions 
agreed upon were submitted to the President for choice. Among 
the list on one occasion was this : " Are the Scriptures of the Old 
and New Testament the Word of God.?" This the President 
accepted, and told the students to write on which side they 
pleased, asking that they treat the subject with becoming rever- 
ence. Most, if not all, supported the side of infidelity. Mr. 
Dwight examined the ground they had taken, convinced them that 
their acquaintance with the subject was superficial, then entered 
into a direct defence of the Divine origin of Christianity. From 
that moment to espouse the cause of infidelity was as unpopular 
as before it had been- to profess a belief in Christianity. 

The publications of Mr. Dwight are as follows: — " Theology 
Explained and Defended ; " twelfth edition. Harper &: Brothers, 
1851. 

" Dwight's Psalms and Hymns," stereotyped edition, 1827. The 
profit to Mr. Dwight of the edition sold in Connecticut exceeded 
one thousand dollars, which he contributed to the Connecticut 
Missionary Society. 

" Dwight's Travels." " Contains an amount of historical, bio- 
raphical, topographical matter, concerning the parts of the country 
to which it relates, that cannot be found in any single publication." 
Four volumes, 1822 ; London, 1823. 

"Dwight's Sermons," New Haven, 1828. Among them twelve 
discourses given in successive years to the graduating class. The 
sermon from text, " The harvest is past," Jeremiah viii. 20, it was 
estimated was the foundation of at least four or five extensive 
revivals of religion. 

Having sustained a permanent injury to his eyes from too close 
application to study, in early life, the Corporation of Yale 
College enabled him to employ a succession of amanuenses 
through whose aid he wrote his Theology and Travels. 

As a preacher, his voice was heavy and musical. 

Applications for instructors from different parts of the land, 
took his time and no small expense. 

He habituated himself to physical exercise. While at Green- 



TIMO THY D WIGHT. 1 93 

field he cultivated with his own hand a large fruit and vegetable 
garden, and at New Haven, through the season for gardening he 
made it a point to work at least an hour every morning before 
breakfast. In the cool season he took exercise in cutting his 
firewood. Certain of his college vacations he employed in journey- 
ing with horse and sulky through the New England States, and 
his observations and notes formed material for his volumes of 
travels. 

Of the religious character of Mr. Dwight: 

Referring to the mother's influence, his biographer says : " She 
taught him to fear God and to keep his commandments; to be just, 
charitable, and forgiving; to preserve a sacred regard to truth ; and 
to relieve the distresses of the poor and unfortunate. She aimed, 
at a very early period, to enlighten his conscience, to make him 
afraid to sin, and to teach him to hope for pardon only through 
the righteousness of Christ. The impressions thus made upon his 
mind in infancy were never effaced. ... In the year 1774, he 
united with the College church. At this time it was his expecta- 
tion to pursue the practice of law." 

Rev. N. W. Taylor speaks of Mr. Dwight: " Though by nature 
an ambitious and proud man, loving distinction, his talents were 
devoted to the cause for which the Son of God lived and died. 
He was what those who knew him less than I did, would perhaps 
not so readily admit, preeminently a conscientious, disinterested 
man, under the influence of a deep and earnest piety." 

One eminent in civil life remarked :" I have often expressed 
the opinion, that no man except the 'father of his country' has 
conferred greater benefits on our nation than Timothy Dwight." 

He was married in March, 1777, to Mary, daughter of Benjamin 
Woolsey, of Long Island, " the classmate, room-mate, and in- 
timate friend of his father." They had eight sons, five of whom 
graduated at Yale College. His grandson, Timothy Dwight, was 
elected President of this institution in 1887. 
13 



THEOPHILUS EATON. 

FIRST GOVERNOR OF NEW HAVEN COLONY, 1639-1657.* 

Theophilus Eaton " was the eldest son of the Rev. Mr. Eaton, 
minister of Stratford in Oxfordshire, who afterwards removed to 
Coventry, and there also performed the duties of a parish minister." 

Of Mr. Eaton and others who came to this country, their experi- 
ences, the work which under Providence they were permitted to 
discharge, and the circumstances attending the elevation of Mr. 
Eaton to the first position in the New Haven Colony, history fur- 
nishes account as follows : 

On the 26th of July, 1637, John Davenport, Samuel Eaton, 
Theophilus Eaton, Edward Hopkins, Thomas Greyson, and others 
of good characters and fortunes, arrived at Boston from England. 
The fame of Mr. Davenport, and the reputation and good estates 
of the principal gentlemen of his company, made the people of 
Massachusetts desirous of their settlement in that commonwealth. 
Inducements were extended by private parties and by the Gen- 
eral Court. They preferred however to take up other quarters 
and to plant a distinct colony. 

In the fall of 1637, Mr. Eaton and others made a journey to 
Connecticut, to explore the lands and harbors on the seacoast. 
They pitched upon Quinnipiac for the place of settlement, and 
erected a hut in which a few men subsisted through the winter. 
Early in the spring of 1638, the company left Boston for the new 
colony. On the i8th of April they kept the first Sabbath, the 
people holding worship under a large oak in what is now the city 
of New Haven. 

At the close of a day of fasting and prayer, they entered into 

*" History of Connecticut," by Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, New Haven, 181S; 
Hollister's History ; Mathers " Magnalia"; Bacon's " Historical Discourses." 

194 



TIIEOPIIILUS EATON. 1 95 

what they termed a plantation covenant. In this the}' solemnly 
bound themselves : " That as in matters that concern the gathering 
and ordering of a church, so also in all public offices, which con- 
cern civil order, they would be ordered by the rules which the 
Scriptures present." 

On the 24th of November, 1638, these English planters entered 
into an agreement with Momaugin and his -counselors, respecting 
the lands. Momaugin, Sachem of Quinnipiac, yielded up all his 
right, title and interest, to all the land, rivers, ponds, and trees, 
with all the liberties and appurtenances belonging, unto The- 
ophilus Eaton, John Davenport and others, their heirs and assigns 
forever. He covenanted that neither he nor his Indians would 
terrify nor disturb the English, nor injure them in any of their in- 
terests ; but that in every respect, they would keep their faith 
with them. The English covenanted to protect Momaugin and 
his Indians, when unreasonably assaulted by other Indians ; and 
guaranteed land, for planting purposes, on the east side of the 
harbor, between that and Saybrook fort. They also covenanted, 
that by way of free and thankful retribution, to give unto the said 
Sachem, his council and company, twelve coats of English cloth, 
twelve alchemy spoons, twelve hatchets, twelve hoes, two dozen of 
knives and scissors. This agreement was signed and legally 
executed b)' Momaugin and his council, on the one part, and 
Theophilus Eaton and John Davenport on the other. In Decem- 
ber following, they made a purchase of another tract, lying to the 
north ten miles by thirteen. For this last tract, the English gave 
thirteen coats, and allowed the Indians ground to plant, and 
liberty to hunt. 

The planters of Quinnipiac continued more than a year without 
any civil or religious constitution or compact, further than had been 
expressed in their plantation covenant. On the 4th of June, 1639, 
they convened in a large barn belonging to Mr. Newman, and 
proceeded to lay the foundations of their civil and religious gov- 
ernment. Mr, Davenport introduced the business by a sermon 
from the words : " Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn 
out her seven pillars." He urged that the church should be 
formed of seven pillars, or principal brethren, to whom all the 
other members of the church should be added. After prayer for 



196 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Divine guidance, he proceeded to represent to the planters that 
they were met to consult respecting the settlement of civil govern- 
ment according to the will of God. He enlarged on the importance 
of the transaction, and desired that no man would give his voice, 
until he had thoroughly considered, and that each would act without 
respect to men, and give his vote in the fear of God. Among 
other resolutions it was voted : 

" That the Scriptures hold forth a perfect rule for the direction and govern- 
ment of all men in all duties which they are to perform to God and men. 

" That church members only shall be free burgesses, and that they shall 
choose magistrates only among themselves, to transact the civil affairs of the 
plantation. 

" That twelve men be chosen, and that it be in the power of those twelve 
men to chose seven of their number to begin the church." 

The men that were finally chosen for the seven pillars of the 
church, were Theophilus Eaton, John Davenport, Robert New- 
man, Malhew Gilbert, Thomas Fugill, John Punderson, and 
Jeremiah Dixon. On the 25th of October, the court as it was 
termed, consisting of these seven pillars, convened. Prayer 
was offered, and they proceeded to form the body of freemen, 
and to elect civil officers. All former trust for managing the 
public affairs of the plantation, was declared to cease. All those 
who had been admitted to the church, after the gathering of it, in 
the choice of the seven pillars, and all members of other 
approved churches, who offered themselves, were admitted mem- 
bers of the court. Mr. Davenport presented passages from 
Scripture which refer to civil magistrates, and made comment. 
The election of officers followed. 

Theophilus Eaton was chosen Governor ; Robert Newman, 
Mathew Gilbert, Nathaniel Turner, and Thomas Fugill, were 
chosen Magistrates. Mr. Fugill was also chosen Secretary, and 
Robert Seely was chosen Marshal. 

Mr. Davenport gave Governor Eaton a charge in open court, 
from Deuteronomy i. 16, 17. "And I charged your judges at that 
time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge 
righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger 
that is with him. Ye shall not respect persons in judgment, but 
ye shall hear the small as well as the great ; ye shall not be afraid 



THEOPHIL US EA TON. 1 97 

of the face of man ; for the judgment is God's ; and the cause 
that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it." 

Mr. Eaton was annually elected Governor for eighteen years, 
and died in office in 1657. 

The following items of history, referring to Governor Eaton, 
are from the pen of Rev. Cotton Mather. 

Of his early acquaintance with Mr. Davenport : " His father 
being removed into Coventry, he then at school fell into the inti- 
mate acquaintance with that worthy John Davenport, with whom 
in the providence of God many years after, he united in the great 
undertaking of settling a colony of Christian and reformed 
churches on the American strand." 

Of his attention when in youth to the sermons of the sanctuary : 
" So vast was his memory, that although he wrote not at the 
church, yet when he came home, he would, at his father's call, 
repeat unto those that met in his father's house, the sermons 
which had been publicly preached." 

Of his domestic alliances : " Having arrived unto a fair estate 
(which he was first willing to do), he married a most virtuous 
gentlewoman, to whom he had first espoused himself, after he 
had spent three years in an absence from her in the East Country. 
But this dearest and greatest of his temporal enjoyments, proved 
but a temporal one. ... At her death she expressed herself 
willing to be dissolved and to be with Christ, 'from whom,' she 
said, ' I would not be detained one hour for all the enjoyments 
upon earth.' He afterwards married a prudent and pious widow, 
the daughter of the Bishop of Chester; unto the three former 
children of which widow, he became a most exemplary, and faith- 
ful father, as well as a most worthy husband unto herself, by 
whom he had five children, two sons and three daughters." 

Of family government : "As in his government of the common- 
wealth, so in the government of his family, he was prudent, happy 
to a wonder ; and albeit he sometimes had a large family consist- 
ing of no less than thirty persons, yet he managed them, with 
such an even temper, that observers have affirmed, ' They never 
saw an house ordered with more wisdom.' " 

His character as a Christian : " So exemplary was he for a 
Christian, that one who had been a servant unto him, could many 



198 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

years after say, ' Whatever difficulty in my daily walk I now 
meet withal, still something that I either saw or heard in 
my blessed master Eaton's conversation, helps me through it all ; 
I have reason to bless God that I ever knew him.' It was his 
custom when he first rose on a morning, to repair unto his 
study ; a study well perfumed with the meditations and supplica- 
tions of an holy soul. After this, calling his family together, he 
would then read a portion of the Scripture among them, and after 
some devout and useful reflections upon it, he would make a 
prayer, not long, but extraordinarily pertinent and reverent." 

Says Rev. Dr. Bacon, referring to Governor Eaton and his 
associates : " Never, elsewhere, I believe, has the world seen 
magistrates who felt more deeply that they were God's ministers, 
executing God's justice." 

Says the historian, Mr. Hubbard, as quoted by Mr. Bacon : 
"This man, (Governor Eaton) had in him great gifts, and as 
many excellencies as are usually found in anyone man ; he had an 
excellent princely face and port, was a good scholar, a traveler, a 
great reader, of an excellent, steady and even spirit ; but above 
all, he was seasoned with religion, close in closet duties." 

Davenport and Eaton built their dwellings over against each 
other on the same street in New Haven ; and the intimacy begun 
when they were children, strengthened in their manhood. Rarely 
could a day pass when they did not take counsel together. The 
voice of prayer, or the evening psalm in one of their dwellings, 
might be heard in the other. Whatever changes came upon 
one famil}', the other was sure to partake immediately in the 
sorrow or the joy. 



TIMOTHY EDWARDS. 

MEMBER OF MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, 1775-1780.* 

Richard Edwards, great-grandfather of Timothy, was a mer- 
chant in Hartford, Conn., a man of wealth and intelhgence. " At 
an early age he became a communicant in the Congregational 
Church, and adorned his profession by a long life of integrity and 
unusual devotedness to the cause of religion," 

Timothy Edwards, grandfather of Timothy, graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1691, became the first minister of East Windsor, 
Conn,, and continued his pastorate in this place more than half 
a century. 

Jonathan Edwards, father of Timothy, was born at East Wind- 
sor Oct, 5, 1703; graduated at Yale College in 1720; became 
pastor of the church at Northampton, Mass. ; succeeded Rev. Mr. 
Sergeant as missionary at Stockbridge, to the Whites and Indians, 
receiving his salary from London and from the Legislature ; 
accepted in 1758 an appointment to the presidency of New Jersey 
College, where his labors were soon interrupted by death. In 
Stockbridge he wrote " Inquiry Concerning the Freedom of the 
Will," and " Treatise on Original Sin." When the council gave 
their decision that the cause demanded his labors at Princeton rather 
than continuance at Stockbridge, he covered his face with his 
hands and wept. His labors at Northampton were attended by a 
powerful religious awakening. 

Timothy Edwards, oldest son of Jonathan, was born at North- 
ampton July 25, 1738, died at Stockbridge, Oct, 27, 18 13, 

He entered Princeton College at the age of fifteen, graduating 

* Allen's " Biographical Dictionary ; " " History of Stockbridge," by Miss 
E. F. Jones; Clark's "Northampton Antiquities;" "History of Berkshire 
Count)'," edition of 1S29. 

199 



'200 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

in 1757. After his father's sudden decease, the care of the 
family devolved upon him. He became a merchant and settled 
in Elizabethtown, N. J., and at the age of thirty-two moved to 
Stockbridge, Mass., where the family lived at the time he entered 
college. Here he became "one of the strong men of the county, 
intellectually and morally, and was long an honored officer in the 
Congregational Church." 

From 1775 until 1780, he was a member of the Council, as it 
existed in virtue of the English charter, a period in which the gov- 
ernment of the State was much entrusted to that body. Before 
the adoption of the present Constitution of the United States, and 
while Representatives to Congress in Massachusetts were 
appointed by the Legislature, Timothy Edwards of Stockbridge 
was in 1779 appointed a Representative, but declined. 

Mr. Edwards was the father of fifteen children. His son 
William became a tanner ; failed once in business, and " honestly 
paid up the old debts, from which he was legally discharged, to 
the amount of $25,000." In his old age, in Dr. Mason's church. 
New York, he was a Sunday-school teacher, and a tract distrib- 
utor. 




oiu/. w^^ujv^^^ 



OLIVER ELLSWORTH. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES, 1796-180I.* 

David Ellsworth, father of Oliver, was a farmer, and lived in 
Windsor, Conn. He married Jemimah Leavitt, a lady of " good 
mind and pious principles." 

Oliver Ellsworth was born in Windsor, Conn., April 29, 1745; 
died November 26, 1807. 

He passed his early years on his father's farm, prepared for 
college under the instruction of Rev. Dr. Bellamy, entered Yale 
College at the age of seventeen, where he remained two years, 
removed to Princeton College, New Jersey, and graduated in 
1766. 

The following incident has been given of his student life. 
" The students were prohibited to wear their hats within the col- 
lege yard. Ellsworth, on one occasion, was arraigned for violat- 
ing this law of the institution. He defended himself on the 
ground that a hat was composed of two parts, the crown and the 
brim, and as his hat had no brim, which by the by he had torn off, 
he could be guilty of no offence. This ingenious plea seems to 
have satisfied the scruples of his judges, and he escaped all 
punishment." 

He studied law successively with the first Governor Griswold, 
and the Hon. Jesse Root, and was admitted to the bar in 
1771. 

In obtaining his education he had incurred pecuniary obliga- 
tions, of which he determined, before beginning his career as a 

* " Lives of Chief-Justices of United States," by Henry Flanders ; 
" Princeton College, Eighteenth Century," by S. D. Alexander ; " Dwight's 
Travels." 

201 



202 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

lawyer to relieve himself. He held in his own right a tract of 
woodland on the Connecticut River. This he made an effort to 
sell without success. The wood however was salable. Hence 
instead of opening an office, and relying on the uncertain gains of 
his profession to discharge his indebtedness, he proceeded to the 
forest with ax and woodman's rig, and in the course of a few 
months, cut, and transported down the river to Hartford, wood 
enough to pay his debts. 

Soon after being called to the Bar, Mr. Ellsworth was married 
to Abigail, daughter of Mr. William Wolcott, of East Windsor. 
He accepted from his father the use of a small farm, situated in 
the northwest part of Windsor, parish of Waterbury, and here he 
commenced his professional career, relying almost wholly upon 
his agricultural labors for support. When the court was in ses- 
sion at Hartford, he walked back and forth, a distance of ten 
miles. He declared "that three pounds, Connecticut money, /<?/" 
annum, was the extent of his professional receipts for the first 
three years after being called to the Bar." 

He was finally employed in a suit of some importance, and 
gained his case. His prospects brightened, clients gradually 
increased, he abandoned his little farm and moved to Hartford. 
He was soon appointed Attorney-General of the State, and held 
the office for several years. 

He was a member of the Legislature which assembled a few 
days after the battle of Lexington ; in 1777 was chosen Delegate 
to the Continental Congress; from 1780 to 1784 was a member of 
the Council of Connecticut, and then was appointed Judge of the 
Superior Court ; in 1787 was a member of the convention which 
framed the Constitution of the United States ; was Senator in 
Congress from 1789 to 1796, when he was appointed by Washing- 
ton Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
During his connection with the Senate, he urged that it was not 
expedient to attempt to fund the public debt at interest higher 
than four per cent. He also disagreed with the Secretary's pro- 
posal to leave one third of the debt unfunded for ten years. 

He received the degree of LL. D. from Yale College in 1790, 
from Dartmouth in 1797. 

In reply to the question, " What is the secret of your intellectual 



OLIVER ELLSWORTH. 203 

power ? " Mr. Ellsworth said : " Early in my career I determined 
to study but one subject at a time. In the practice of my profes- 
sion, I have as a rule, given attention to the main points of a case, 
leaving the minor ones to shift for themselves." 

The friendship of Washington for Mr, Ellsworth is revealed in 
a manuscript letter, dated March 8, 1797, four days after the 
expiration of his term of office. 

" Df;AR Sir: 

" liefore I leave this city, which will be within less than twenty-four hours, 
permit nie in acknowledging the receipt of your kind and affectionate, note of 
the 6th, to offer you the thanks of a grateful heart for the sentiments you have 
expressed in my favor, and for those attentions with which you have always 
honored me. In return, I pray you to accept all my good wishes for the per- 
fect restoration of your health, and for all the happiness this life can afford 
you. As your official duty will necessarily call you to the southward, I will 
take the liberty of adding, that it will always give me pleasure to see you at 
Mount Vernon as you pass and repass. With unfeigned esteem and regard, in 
which Mrs. Washington joins me, I am always and affectionately yours, 

" George Washincton." 

" Mr. Ellsworth was a model of a legislator and judge. His 
perceptions were rapid, his reasoning clear, and his eloquence 
powerful. He moved for more than thirty years in a conspicuous 
sphere, unassailed by slander. 

r " In private life he was unassuming and humble. His dress, his 
equipage and mode of living were regulated by a principle of 
republican economy. 

" He was above all an exemplary Christian, having confessed 
Christ in his )'outh ; and in every station he was not ashamed of 
his Gospel. His religion was' practical and vital — always at the 
prayer meetings, and a life-long friend of missions." 

Says Timothy Dwight of Mr. Ellsworth : 

" Universally, his eloquence strongly resembled that of Demos- 
thenes, grave, forcible, and inclined to severity. 

"In his manner of living, although possessed of an ample for- 
tune, he blended with a happy propriety, plainness and dignity." 

Another authority speaks thus of Mr. P^llsworth : 

" Guests occasionally present at morning and evening devo- 
tions were solemnized by the fervor and sublimity of his prayers. 



204 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" He inculcated on all under his roof a reverence for the Sab- 
bath, and was in the habit of gathering them around him, and 
reading them a sermon, in addition to the public worship of the 
day." 

William W., son of Oliver Ellsworth, graduated at Yale College ; 
was Representative in Congress from Connecticut 1829-1833, and 
became Governor of the State in 1838, 



JOHN ENDICOTT. 

FIRST GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY, 1 629.* 

John Endicott was born in Dorchester, Dorsetshire, Eng., in 
1588; died in Boston, Mass., March 15, 1665. 

He was a surgeon in his native county, previous to leaving Eng- 
land for the new world. 

" On the third of November, 1620, forty noblemen, knights and 
gentlemen of England, were incorporated by King James, under 
the name and style of 'The Council established at Plymouth, 
County of Devon, for the planting, ruling and governing New 
England in America.' " 

On the 19th of March, 1628, six men, viz., John Endicott, 
Henry Roswell, John Young, Simon Whetcomb, John Humphrey, 
and Thomas Southcoat, made a purchase of this Council, for "a 
considerable sum of money," of a grant for the settlement of 
Massachusetts Bay. Among those who afterwards purchased 
rights in .this patent, were John Winthrop, Sir Richard Salton- 
stall, Isaac Johnson, Matthew Cradock, and Thomas Goffe. Of 
this " London Company," Matthew Cradock was chosen Gov- 
ernor. 

Mr. Cradock never visited America, but John Endicott became 
the responsible man to go forth and establish a government. He 
sailed from Weymouth in ship Abigail, June 20, 1628, in company 
with nearly one hundred planters, and arrived at Naumkeag, or 
Salem as now called, September 6. Isaac Johnson thus alludes 
to the event. " The much honored Mr. John Indicut, came over 

*"(Jovernors of New riymouth and Massachusetts Kay," by J. B. Moore; 
Johnson's " Wonder Working Providence ; " " New England Historical and 
Genealogical Register;" "Massachusetts Historical Collections;" Hazard's 
'• Historical Collections; " Young's "Chronicles of Massachusetts." 

205 



2o6 AMERICAN CHRISriAN RULERS. 

with them to govern, a fit instrument to begin this wilderness 
work, of courage bold, undaunted yet sociable, and of a cheerful 
spirit, loving and austere, applying himself to either as occasion 
served 

" Strong valiant John, wilt thou march on, and take up station first? 
Christ call'd hath thee, his Shoulder be, and fail not of thy trust." 

His appointment to the office of Governor took place at " a 
General Court holden at London, April 30, 1629," and a record of 
the proceedings reads as follows. " Having taken into due Con- 
sideration the Merit, Worth, and Good Desert of Capt. John 
Endicott, and others lately gone over from hence with purpose to 
reside and continue there, we have, with full Consent and 
Authority of this Court, and by Erection of Hands, chosen and 
elected the said Capt. John Endicott to the place of present 
Governor in our said Plantation." 

A few days previous to this transaction, the Governor and 
Deputy of the New England Company penned a lengthy epistle 
to Mr. Endicott, beginning as follows : 

"Laus Deo, in Gravesend, April 17, 1629. 
" Loving Friends : 

" We heartily salute you. We have received your letter of the 13th of Sep- 
tember, by which we take notice of your safe arrival, blessing God for it. 

The following passages in this epistle refer to the religious 
welfare of the plantation. 

" And for that the propagation of the Gospel, is the thing we do profess 
above all to be our aim in settling this plantation, we have been careful to 
make plentiful provision of godly ministers, by whose faithful preaching, godly 
conversation, and exemplary life, we trust not only those of our nation will be 
built up in the knowledge of God, but also the Indians may, in God's appointed 
time, be reduced to the obedience of the Gospel of Christ. One of them is 
well known to yourself, viz., Mr. Skelton, whom we have the rather desired to 
bear a part in this work, for that we are informed yourself hath formerly 
received much good by his ministry ; he cometh in the George Bonaventiire, 
Mr. Thomas Cox. Another is TVTr. Higgerson, a grave man and of worthy 
commendations ; he cometh in the Talbot. The third is Mr. Bright, sometimes 
trained up under Mr. Davenport, who cometh in the Lion's Whelp. We pray 
you accommodate them all with necessaries as well as you may, and in con- 



JOHN END ICO TT. 20/ 

venicnt lime let there be houses built thetji, according to the agreement \vc 
have made with them." 

"To the end the Sabbath may be celebrated in a religious manner, wc 
appoint that all that inhabit the plantation, both for the general and particular 
employments, may surcease their labor every Saturday throughout the year, at 
three of the clock in the afternoon, and that they spend the rest of that day in 
catechising and preparation for the Sabbath as the ministers shall direct." 

The epistle abounds in information and instructions referring to 
the temporal welfare of the colonists. For instance : 

" We have followed your advice and sent most of our guns, .... and we 
have also sent store of powder and shot, grain for seed, wheat, barley, and rye 
in the chaff, etc. As for fruit-stones and kernels, the time of the year fits not 
to send them now, so we purpose to do it per next. Tame turkeys shall be 
now sent you if may be, if not, per other ships. We are disappointed of the 
provisions ordered to have been sent for yourself and Mrs. Endicott, but God 
willing, they shall come by the next." 

The letter advises concerning the sending forth from the 
mother country, skilled men. 

" We have entertained Mr. Thomas Groves, a man commended to us as 
well for his honesty as skill, in many things very useful : first, he professeth 
great skill in the making of salt; second, he is well seen in mines and min- 
erals; third, he is able to make any fortifications ; fourth, he is well able to 
survey and set forth lands (he hath been a traveller in divers foreign parts to 
gain his experience). We pray you take his advice touching the prem- 
ises. . . . Soon as you have made trial of his sulificiency, write us your opin- 
ion, how long you conceive it will be fit for us to continue him in our service, 
for that he is tied to serve us one whole year'absolutely, and two years more if 
we should give him order to stay there so long. We hope to receive your 
advice time enough to give him order to stay out full three years, or to come 
home at the end of one year. His salary costs this company a great sum of 
monc)', besides which if he remain with us, the transporting of his wife, and 
building him a house, will be very chargeable." 

" We desire you to take notice of one Lawrence Leach, whom we have 
found a careful man, and we doubt not but he will continue his diligence; let 
him have deserving respect. The like we say of Richard Waterman, whose 
chief employment will be to get you good venison." 

"We have sent six Shipwrights, of whom Robert Molton is chief; these 
men's entertainment is very chargeable to us, and by agreement is to be borne, 
two thirds at the charge of the general Company, and the other third by Mr. 
Cradock, our Governor, and his associates, interested in a private stock." 

"William Riall and Thomas Brude, Coopers and Cleavers of Timber, are 
entertained by us in halves with Mr. Cradock, our Governor." 



208 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" There is one Richard Ewstead, a Wheelwright, who was commended to us 
by Mr. Davenport, for a very able man, though not without his imperfections : 
we pray you take notice of him and regard him as he shall well deserve. The 
benefit of his labor is to be two thirds for the general Company and one 
third for Mr. Cradock." 

" We have entertained Lambert Wilson, Surgeon, to remain with you in the 
Service of the Plantation, with whom we are agreed that he shall serve this 
Company, and the other Planters that live in the Plantation, for three years; 
and in that time apply himself to cure not only of such as came from 
hence, .... but also of, the Indians, as from time to time he shall be directed 
by yourself or your successor, and the rest of the Council. And moreover, he 
is to educate and instruct in his art one or more youths, such as you and the 
said Council shall appoint, that may be helpful to him, and if occasion serve 
succeed him in the Plantation." 

Closing passages in tliis letter from the New England Com- 
pany in London are as follows : 

" For the better accommodation of business, we have divided the servants 
belonging to the Company into several families. . . . 

" Our earnest desire is, that you take special care in settling these families, 
that the Chief in the family (at least some of them) be grounded in religion; 
whereby morning and evening family duties may be duly performed. . . . 
And we heartily pray you, that all be kept to labor, as the only means to 
reduce them to civil, yea, a godly life, and to keep youth from falling into 
many enormities, which by nature we are all too much inclined unto. 

" God, who alone is able and powerful, enable you to this great work, and 
grant that our chief aim may be his honor and glory. And, thus wishing you 
all happy and prosperous success, we end and rest, 

" Your assured loving friends, 
" The Governor and Deputy of the New England Company, 
" For a Plantation in Massachusetts Bay." 

Mr. Endicott was superseded in his office of Governor of the 
Colony, by the arrival of Winthrop with the Charter. Soon after 
he was chosen an Assistant, and occupied the position nine years. 
In 1636 he was chosen a Colonel, and commanded the first unsuc- 
cessful expedition in the Pequot war. In 1641, he was elected 
Deputy Governor, which office he held four years. He was 
chosen Governor in 1644, 1649, 1651-1653, and 1655-1665, six- 
teen years, a longer period of service than any Governor of the 
Colony under the old Charter. 

Mr. Endicott co-operated in establishing a church at Salem, 
which became an organization August 6, 1629 ; the first in Massa- 



JOHN ENDICOTT. 209 

chusetts Colony. The following letter written in May from Mr. 
P^ndicott to Governor Bradford of Plymouth Colony, makes allu- 
sion to the expected event. 

"Right Worthy Sir: 

*' It is a thing not usual that servants of one Master, and of the same house- 
hold should be strangers. I assure you I desire it not ; nay, to speak more 
plainly, I cannot be so to you. God's people are all marked with one and the 
same mark, and have for the main one and the same heart, guided by one and 
the same spirit of truth ; and where this is there can be no discord, nay, here 
must needs be a sweet harmony ; and the same request with you, I make unto 
the Lord, that we as Christian brethren be united by an heavenly and 
unfeigned love, binding all our hearts and forces in furthering a work beyond 
our strength with reverence and fear, fastening our eyes always on Ilim that is 
only able to direct and prosper all our ways. I acknowledge myself much 
bound to you, for your kind love and care in sending Mr. Fuller amongst us, 
and rejoice much that I am by him satisfied, touching your judgment of the 
outward form of God's worship. . . . 

" Your assured loving friend, 

"John Endicott. 
"Nal'mkeag, May 11, 1629." 

The church covenant to which Mr. Endicott and others sub- 
scribed, drawn up by Rev. Mr. Higgerson, contained the follow- 
ing points. 

" We promise to walk with our brethren with all watchfulness and tender- 
ness, avoiding jealousies, suspicions, backbitings, censurings. ..." 

" We do hereby promise to carry ourselves in all lawful obedience to those 
that are over us in Church or Commonwealth. . . ." 

" We resolve to approve ourselves to the Lord in our particular callings, 
shunning idleness, as the bane of any state ; nor will we deal hardly or 
oppressively with any wherein we are the Lord's stewards." 

" Promising also, to our best ability, to teach our children and servants the 
knowledge of God and of his will, that they serve him also ; and all this, not 
by any strength of our own, bu^ by the Lord Christ, whose blood we desire 
may sprinkle this our covenant made in his name." 

Though Governor Endicott removed from Salem to Boston in 
1655, neither he nor Mrs. Endicott removed their connection 
with the Salem church until November, 1664. 

To Governor Winthrop Mr. Endicott writes on matters pertain- 
ing to the French : 
14 



2 I O AMERICA A' CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

"Dearest Sir : 

"I find that your troubles are many, and especially about this French busi- 
ness. The Lord in mercy support you. I am much grieved to hear what I 
hear. . . . The Lord rebuke Satan. Sir, be of good comfort ; I doubt not but 
that our God that is in heaven will carry you above all the injuries of 
men. . . . Our prayers here, are publicly and privately for a good issue of it; 
and that continually. . . . The Lord our God be with you, to uphold you, and 
to continue you amongst us to do yet further service, to whose grace I commit 
you. 

" Yours ever truly to serve, 

"Jo. Endicott. 
" Salem, 26, 5th mo. 1643." 

Mr. Endicott was twice married. The first Mrs. Endicott was 
Anna Gouer, cousin to Matthew Cradock, married in England, 
and died in less than a year after her arrival in Massachusetts. 
The second Mrs, Endicott was Elizabeth Gibson of Cambridge, 
England, a lady about twenty-six years younger than Mr. Endicott, 
married August i8, 1630, Governor Winthrop and Rev. Mr. Wil- 
son performing the ceremony. She survived Mr. Endicott with 
two sons. The elder son left no children. The younger was a 
I^hysician, and resided in Salem. He was twice married and a 
family of five sons and five daughters survived him. His second 
wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Governor Winthrop, and widow of 
the Rev. Antipas Newman, of Wenham. 

The Charter possessed by Governor Endicott is now in the 
Salem Athenaeum. His portrait hangs in the Senate Chamber at 
the State House. 



HORACE FAIRBANKS. 

GOVERNOR OF' VERMONT, 1876.* 

Erastus Fairbanks, father of Horace, born at Brimfield, 
Mass., received a common-school education, taught school in St. 
Johnsbury, Vt., and in 1825 there formed a partnership with his 
3'ounger brother for the manufacture of platform scales. He 
was a member of the State Legislature in 1836, and was Governor 
of Vermont in 1852 and in i860. 

Horace Fairbanks was born in Barnet, Vt., March 21, 1820; 
died in New York City March 17, 1888. 

The family removed to St. Johnsbury when Horace was five 
years of age. He pursued his early education here, and subse- 
quently studied at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. 

When eighteen years of age he became a clerk in the Fairbanks' 
establishment for the manufacture of scales, and in 1843 became 
a member of the firm. Their annual sales at this date did not 
exceed fifty thousand dollars, and about forty men were employed. 
Their sales finally reached more than three million dollars, and 
fifteen hundred men were employed. 

In 1869, he was elected to the State Senate, but was unable to 
serve on account of severe illness. In 1876 he was elected 
Governor of Vermont. At the time the nomination was made, he 
was absent from the State. His surprise at what had taken place 
was complete, and " never was there a clearer case of the office 
seeking the man." 

Mr. Fairbanks gave liberally to home and foreign missions, and 
to the town of St. Johnsbury he gave the Athenaeum, with its 
building, library and gallery of paintings, at a cost of over one 

* Lanman's " Biographical Annals ; " Appleton ; S(. Johnsbury Republican. 

211 



212 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

hundred thousand dollars. He was a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church of St, Johnsbury, and was well known for Christian 
character and godly life, not merely at home, but wherever his 
good fame had reached in the commonwealth and nation. 

He was a man of fine spirit, his quiet manner covering a strong 
will, clear judgment, and thoughtful intelligence. 

He was married August 9, 1849, ^'^ Mary E., daughter of James 
Taylor, of Derry, N. H. They had three children, all daughters. 



RICHARD FLETCHER. 

JUDGE OF MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT, 1848-1853.* 

" Hon. Asaph Fletcher, father of Richard, possessed intense 
religious convictions, and did not permit his son to go forth from 
home till he had stamped on his heart this truth of the Gospel, 
' Except a man be born again, he cannot see the "kingdom of 
God.' " 

Richard Fletcher was born at Cavendish, Vt., January 8, 1788 ; 
died in Boston, June 21, 1869. , 

He graduated at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, studied 
law at Portsmouth with Daniel Webster, entered upon practice at 
Salisbury, and in the year 1825 removed to Boston. He was 
often an antagonist of Webster, and became eminent in all 
branches of legal practice. 

He served in the Massachusetts Legislature ; was a Representa- 
tive in Congress from 1837 to 1839 ;- and Judge of the Massachu- 
setts Supreme Court from 1848 to 1853. 

While in college he was the subject of serious impressions, but 
graduated, so far as it appears, without any settled hope in Christ. 
On removing to Boston he received benefit from the preaching of 
Dr. Thomas Baldwin, and that of Dr. Lyman Beecher. 

In the year 1830, he was baptized by Rev. Dr. Malcom, and 
received into the fellowship of the Federal Street Baptist Church. 
In alluding to this event he said : "At last I had found rest. I 
look back with gratitude to that moment when I was permitted to 
be buried with Christ in baptism, and as I have realized the 
glorious import of that rite, I have wondered that every Christian 

* Lanman's " Biographical Annals ; " " Discourse," by Rev. A. J. Gordon. 

2T3 



214 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

should not long to go down thus into the water and die, and rise 
again in the likeness of Christ." 

He closely perused the Bible, and works by Bishop Wilson, 
Samuel Rutherford and Jeremy Taylor ; and in his care for his 
own soul, he did not forget the souls of the unconverted. 

In his journal, Tuesday, October 24, 1848, he writes : " I have 
this day received a commission of Associate Justice of the Su- 
preme Judicial Court of this Commonwealth, and have taken the 
oath of office before Governor George N. Briggs. I feel my 
insufficiency for the duties of this office, and I humbly look to 
Heaven for strength and wisdom to sustain and guide me." 

He made bequests to three institutions, directed to the care of 
poor children ; and to Dartmouth College he bequeathed one 
hundred thousand dollars. 



SOLOMON FOOT. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1851-1866.* 

Solomon Foot was born in Cornwall, Addison Count}', Vt., 
November 15, 1802 ; died in Washington, D. C, March 28, 1866. 

" God granted Mr. Foot one of the greatest earthly blessings, a 
loving, praying, pious mother, who early instilled into his mind 
principles of reverence toward God, obedience to authority, and 
love of truth." 

He was by force of circumstances thrown upon his own 
resources, and early in life acquired independent habits of thought 
and action. He graduated at Middlebury College in 1826 ; was 
for a time principal of Castleton Academy, studied law and came 
to the Bar in 183 1, and established himself in Rutland. 

He was a member of the Vermont Legislature in 1833, 1836, 
1837, 1838, 1847 ; was State Attorney from 1836 to 1842 ; was 
Representative in Congress from 1843 to 1847 ; and was three 
times elected a Senator in Congress for the term of six years 
each, commencing 185 1. 

Mr. Foot became the oldest Senator in continuous service. 
Few men's opinions were ever sought with more respect, or 
received with more reverence than his. Capable of most moving 
speech, graceful beyond most in elocution, he was seldom heard 
in debate. Whenever he spoke, the wonder was, that he who 
spoke so well should speak so rarely. As presiding officer of the 
Senate for a long period, he distinguished himself by his prompt- 
ness, urbanity and fairness. 

The Rev. Dr. Sunderland speaks as follows of Mr. Foot's 
experiences during his last sickness : 

* Addresses delivered at Washington, 1866 ; Lannian's " Biographical Annals." 

215 



2l6 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

"On Monday, March 19, 1866, I had an interview with the 
Senator at his own request. He commenced by saying that he 
desired to see me, that he had received an affectionate letter from 
his old friend and pastor, Rev. Dr. Aiken, of Rutland, Vt., on the 
subject of his spiritual welfare, and continuing with words inter- 
rupted by tears, he said : ' I know it is but a poor time for a man 
to pay attention to the concerns of his soul when he is brought 
face to face with death, and I can say that, having always 
assented intellectually, at least, to the truth of the Christian doc- 
trines, I have only been too prone to postpone the practical ques- 
tion. At the commencement of this illness I was about preparing 
to assume a duty long neglected, that of family worship, morning 
and evening. For years I have daily read the Bible in presence 
of my wife, but when I have seen her seeking her God in prayer, 
so habitually and earnestly, I have felt that we ought to be united 
in it.' Continuing he Said : ' My father and mother were both 
devoted Christians, and I was instructed in childhood in the 
lessons of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have never doubted 
from that day to this the truth of those teachings. I know and 
feel that I am a sinner. I believe that Christ made an atonement 
sufficient for all men, and that this atonement is the only ground 
of salvation to human beings. I am convinced that none will 
ever be saved by works of righteousness which they have done. 
I have a strong desire to accept these terms of mercy, if I only 
might have an assurance that God will not now reject me after my 
long rejection of Him.' .... Misapprehending the object of my 
remarks, and supposing that I was about to lead him to rely upon 
his past life and character for his future prospects, he quickly 
interposed to say: 'All that will not answer me now. I must 
have a heart work. I must have the foundation of the atonement 
of Christ alone to stand upon.' Leaving the topic upon which I 
was speaking, I tried to address myself to the one point, which I 
discovered to be weighing upon his mind. . . . He said at length 
that he thought he had found the way. ' I have,' he continued, 
' been thinking much of these two lines repeated the other day : 

* Here, Lord, I give myself away, 
'Tis all that I can do.' 

" I begin to understand that this comprehends all, and I am 



SOL OMON FOOT. 2 1 7 

beginning to lean alone on Jesus Christ, as my Saviour and 
Friend.' .... By his desire, and with the consent of his physi- 
cian, in presence of his family and a few Christian friends, he sig- 
nified his public profession of faith in Christ, by receiving the 
symbols of the Lord's Supper, and joining for the first and last 
time on earth, in that communion which all God's children hope 
to renew in Heaven. On receiving the bread into his mouth he 
uttered in a low but solemn and reverential manner these words: 
'This bread is the symbol of the broken body of Christ Jesus, 
through whom alone I hope for the mercy of God and the gift of 
eternal life.' .... The following lines were sung: 

'How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, 
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word ! 
What more could he say than to you he hath said, 
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled ? 
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, 
I will not, I cannot desert to its foes, 
That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake, 
I'll never — no never — no never forsake.' " 



ORIN FOWLER. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1849-1852.* 

Orin Fowler was born in Lebanon, Conn., July 29, 1791; died 
in Washington, D. C, September 3, 1852. 

. He was a descendant of the seventh generation, from William 
Fowler, a Magistrate of New Haven Colony, and was the oldest 
son and sixth child of Amos and Rebecca Fowler, 

His early years were spent in laboring upon his father's farm, 
with service at school-teaching for two winters, when sixteen and 
seventeen years old. 

" At eleven years of age, in company with four brothers and 
four sisters, he was presented by his parents for Christian bap- 
tism. Having subsequently experienced religion, at the age of 
eighteen he united with the Congregational Church in Leba- 
non," 

He prepared for College under the instruction of his pastor, 
Rev. Mr, Ripley, entered Williams College in 181 1, at the end of 
the first term took his dismission ; after studying again under 
Mr. Ripley, and also for one term at the Academy at Colchester, 
he entered the Sophomore class in Yale College, and graduated 
at that institution in 1815, 

He took charge of the Academy at Fairfield for a year ; studied 
theology with Rev, Dr. Humphrey, minister at Fairfield, after- 
ward President of Amherst College ; and was ordained to the 
work of the Gospel in June, 18 18. 

After a year of missionary work at the West, he returned to 
Connecticut, and was installed over the Church at Plainfield, 

* Sprague's " Annals of the American Pulpit," v, 2 ; Mss. by Mrs. Fowler; 
Boston Recorder. 

21S 



ORIN FO IVLEK. 2 1 9 

remaining until 1831. In July following, he was settled over the 
First Congregational Church in Fall River, Mass. 

In the year 1841, Mr. Fowler delivered three discourses con- 
taining an historical sketch of Fall River from the year 1620, In 
this sketch he referred to the boundary line between Massachusetts 
and Rhode Island, that had been in dispute for about a century. 
Not long after, at a meeting of the citizens of Fall River on the sub- 
ject of the boundary, Mr. Fowler, without his knowledge, was placed 
upon a committee to defend the interests of the town before Com- 
missioners appointed by the two States. This service he 
promptly and ably performed; hut the Commissioners came to a 
decision in which the people of Fall River were little disposed to 
acquiesce ; and they resolved upon an effort, through the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature, to prevent the establishment of the line fixed 
upon by the Commissioners. Mr. Fowler now published a series 
of papers in the Boston Atlas, designed to present before the pub- 
lic mind the historical facts sustaining the claims of Massachu- 
setts. When the authorship of the papers was ascertained, there 
was a general voice in favor of his being chosen to the Senate of 
the Commonwealth. He was accordingly elected in the autumn 
of 1847, and the Senate, largely through his influence, rejected 
the Report of the Commissioners by a unanimous vote. 

In 1848, he was elected a Representative in Congress, and 
here his advocacy of the cheap postage bill was highly effective. 
In 1850 he was re-elected to Congress by a large vote, but his 
health did not allow him to pursue further duty. 

" In the Gospel ministry, Mr. Fowler was faithful. Besides 
calls on the sick and the afflicted, he visited his large flock twice 
a year; and the new comer in his congregation saw him immedi- 
ately at his house. During his first year in Plainfield, there were 
ninety conversions ; during the first five years in Fall River but 
three conununion seasons passed without additions to the church. 
While in Congress, he preached from time to time in vacant 
desks and in destitute places." 

He was the known friend of the strict observance of the Sab- 
bath, of total abstinence from the use of intoxicating liquors, and 
of tobacco in all its forms. 

He enjoyed vigorous health ; rose early, took exercise about his 



220 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

garden_, barn and wood-house ; and was ready to sit down early in 
his study, which he rarely left until one o'clock. 

He had an open and manly countenance, and an eminently 
social and friendly spirit. 

Mr. Fowler was married October i6, 182 1, to Amaryllis, fourth 
daughter of John H. Payson, of Pomfret, Conn. They had no 
children. 

Besides various speeches in Congress and contributions to 
periodicals, Mr. Fowler published a sermon at the ordination of 
Israel G. Rose at Canterbury, 1825 ; a " Disquisition on the evils 
attending the use of Tobacco," 1833 ; " Lectures on the mode 
and subjects of Baptism," 1835 ; " History of Fall River," 1841. 



k 



THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1829-1835.* 

Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, great-grandfather of 
Theodore, was ordained to the pastoral office in 17 17, emigrated 
from Germany in 1720; and served in the Gospel in different 
parishes in New Jersey. Whitefield, in his journal of 1739, speaks 
of an extensive work of grace as the fruit of Frelinghuysen's min- 
istry in New Brunswick and vicinity. His five sons were ordained 
to the ministry, and his two daughters were married to ministers. 
A volume of his sermons, translated by William Demarest, was 
published by the Board of Publication of the Reformed Dutch 
Church. 

John, second son of the preceding, educated and ordained in 
Holland, succeeded his father in labors in New Jersey. 

Frederick Frelinghuysen, son of John, and father of Theodore, 
graduated at Princeton College, became a member of the Conti- 
nental Congress, and of the United States Senate. 

Theodore Frelinghuysen was born in Franklin, Somerset 
County, N. J., March 28, 1787; died at New Brunswick, April 12, 
1862. 

He entered the Junior class at Princeton College in 1802, grad- 
uated in 1804, and took the valedictory in a class numbering forty- 
two. Pursuing his legal studies first with his brother, afterwards 
with Richard Stockton, he was admitted to practice when twenty- 
one years of age, and established himself in Newark. The Bar 
was already occupied by men of ability, and for two or three years 
he was little known. As time went on, his practice became exten- 
sive and lucrative. Students applied for admission to his office, 



* Memoir by T. W. Chambers ; Elmer's " Reminiscences of New Jersey." 

221 



222 A ME RICA N CHRIS TIA N R ULERS. 

and parents were glad to put their sons under his care. The elo- 
quence which distinguished his forensic efforts, with voice mellow 
and full, his knowledge of human nature, legal acquirements, 
and adherence to right, combined to render him the most popular 
advocate at the Bar of Eastern New Jersey. 

The question of personal religion was not neglected. His 
deepest impressions he traced to the influence of his pious grand- 
mother. Interesting himself in the founding of the Second Pres- 
byterian Church, Newark, he was elected member of its first 
Board of Trustees, and in September, 1817, was received into the 
communion of this church, then under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. Dr. Grifhn. 

He took his seat in the United States Senate in 1829, and con- 
tinued for the term of six years. Here his advocacy of the cause 
of right, brought him prominently before the nation, and secured 
to him the title of " the Christian statesman." 

His first important topic before the Senate was the bill for the 
Indian tribes residing within the states and organized territories 
of the Union. In conformity to the suggestions of President Jack- 
son in his first annual message, a paper was introduced providing 
for an exchange of lands with the Indians residmg in any of the 
states or territories, and for their removal west of the Mississippi 
River. When this bill came up for consideration in the Senate, 
Mr. Frelinghuysen moved the following amendment : " Provided 
always, That until the said tribes or nations shall choose to re- 
move as by this act is contemplated, they shall be protected in their 
present possessions, and m their enjoyment of all their rights of 
territory and government, as heretofore exercised and enjoyed, 
from all interruptions and encroachments." '■'■ And provided also, 
That before any removal shall take place of any of the said tribes 
or nations, and before any exchange or exchanges of land be 
made as aforesaid, that the rights of any such tribes or nations in 
the premises shall be stipulated for, secured, and guaranteed, by 
treaty or treaties, as heretofore made." These provisions were 
sustained by him in a speech before the Senate ; and he claimed 
that the principles they involved had been expressly recognized 
by the Continental Congress, and still earlier by the royal procla- 
mations and ordinances from Great Britain. 



THEODORE EREUNGHUYSEiV. 223 

On the 9th of March, 1830, Mr. Frelinghuysen offered the fol- 
lowing resolution in the Senate, referring to the Sunday Mail 
Question. " That the Committee on the Post Office and Post 
Roads be instructed to report a bill repealing so much of the act 
on the regulation of Post Offices as requires the delivery of let- 
,ters, packets, and papers on the Sabbath ; and farther to prohibit 
the transportation of the mail on that day." In the course of his 
speech on this question he said : " Congress is not asked to legis- 
late into existence the precepts of piety. No, these are enacted 
already ; they can never be repealed, and it is a most dangerous 
and destructive delusion to suppose that while, as individuals and 
families, we are bound to respect the principles of religion, yet, 
when we assume the character of states and nations, these cease 
to exert any legitimate influence." 

Says Edward Everett, of Mr. Frelinghuysen's connection with 
the Senate : " He brought to Washington a brilliant reputation as 
a public speaker, with a character of unimpeachable personal 
integrity. He took but little part in the current daily business of 
the Senate, but upon a few prominent questions, he spoke with 
great ability and effect. There was a classical finish in his lan- 
guage, and a certain sedate fervor, which commanded the atten- 
tion of his audience. As he spoke but rarely, he was always 
listened to with deference." 

Mr. Frelinghuysen was Mayor of Newark in 1837 and 1838, and 
in 1839 he became Chancellor of the University of New York. 
At the Baltimore Convention in 1844, he received the nomination 
for the office of Vice-President of the United States, on the ticket 
with Henry Clay. He accepted the same, and " continued in the 
quiet discharge of his academic duties, taking but small part in 
the canvass." The success of the opposing candidates, Polk and 
Dallas, gave him but little disappointment. 

In the summer of 1850, he resigned his position in New York 
University, and accepted the presidency of Rutgers College, New 
Brunswick, N. J. A clergyman has given this reminiscence of his 
student life under Frelinghuysen. "On entering college I asked 
to be excused from the exercises of declamation. The president 
tenderly called me 'my son,' but answered, 'no.' Once more I 
begged of him that I might be excused. Again he called me ' my 



224 AMERICAN CHRISTIAiV RULERS. 

son,' and his 'no' was so tender and kind, that I felt ready from 
that time to meet his ' my son ' with a responsive ' my father.' " 

In 1841, Mr. Frelinghuysen was appointed President of the Amer- 
ican Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and served 
sixteen years. He was an advocate of the Sunday School, and 
was once urged to enter upon the service of the American Sunday 
School Union at a salary of $3000. In a private letter October, 
1833, he speaks of teaching a Bible class of young men, number- 
ing from ten to eighteen. He was a member of a Temperance 
Society organized in 1833, and-which was instrumental in mould- 
ing many of the Congressmen of that period to temperance princi- 
ples. At the Anniversary of the New York City Tract Society, held 
in Broadway Tabernacle, December, 1836, he gave this incident: 
"An aged culprit in one of your prisons, was one Sabbath morn- 
ing approached by the missionary. He sat down by his side, and 
tenderly inquired of him concerning his religious feelings. The 
unhappy man burst into tears. * Sir,' said he, ' it is the first time 
in forty years that I have heard the language of kindness.' " 

The piety of Mr. Frelinghuysen, was thoroughly nourished and 
well developed. 

The Bible was his study. " One who knew his habits remarks : 
*It was no unusual thing to see him reading the Word, throughout 
a long winter evening, never taking up any other book, although 
many were lying beside him on the table.' " 

He was faithful in closet prayer. " In the busiest period of his 
life, when worldly cares pressed hardest upon him, it was his cus- 
tom to imitate the Psalmist who said, 'evening and morning and 
noon will I pray.' In his private devotions, his custom was to 
pray aloud, because, as he said, he found it the best way to pre- 
vent wandering thoughts." 

He inculcated the forgiveness of injuries. " A friend once said 
to him, ' I have forgiven the offence, but I can't forget it.' His 
answer was, ' that kind of forgiveness will not bear the light of 
heaven. You are deceiving yourself.' " 

He prayed for the success of Christian effort as put forth by 
others. " On returning home from public worship, he uniformly 
retired to his room to pray for a blessing upon the service." 

He could reprove words of flattery. " A lady in Newark, who 



THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN. 225 

belonged to the cliurch where he served as Elder, once said to 
him : ' I went to the prayer-meeting this morning to meet you and 
hear you pray, and you were not there.' He replied, * Was not 
God there ? I thought you went to meet Him.' " 

In the place of professional responsibility his piety was firm. 
"A wealthy client, in slating his case, incautiously uttered an oath. 
Mr. Frelinghuysen immediately arose and said with deep feeling: 
'Sir, if you use such language again, I will immediately throw up 
your case.' The offence was not repeated." 

He was an example of Christian benevolence. " His profes- 
sional labors brought him a large compensation. These gains 
were neither hoarded nor squandered, but lent to the Lord in a 
wise and liberal charity." 

He was sympathetic toward the poor. " During his busy prac- 
tice as a lawyer, it was his habit to spend every Saturday after- 
noon in searching out the poor and afflicted, and in ministering 
both by sympathy and pecuniary aid to their necessities." 

The fruit of his piety was shown in his efforts to win souls. 
The following is a passage from one of his addresses. "Our irre- 
ligious friends expect us to be faithful to them. Their surprise 
is far more awakened, and oftener too, by our guilty silence, than 
by an affectionate and earnest solicitude." Says Lucius Q. C. 
Elmer : " But few if any of his associates at the Bar, or in public 
life, were left, without his having taken some opportunity of bring- 
ing before them, orally or in writing, the subject of personal 
religion." 

One who was in attendance during his last sickness gives the 
following : 

"One of the leading members of the New Jersey Bar, called to 
ask after his health, and told me, that it was to Mr. Freling- 
huysen's conversations with him, as they walked in the morning 
together while attending court at Trenton, that he attributed 
his first religious impressions. When this was repeated to 
Mr. Frelinghuysen, he replied, 'Those are precious remem- 
brances.' 

" One day, as we were leaving his room to go to dinner, some- 
one pleasantly said, ' Uncle, we wish you could take dinner with 



226 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

us.' ' Ah ! my son,' he replied, ' I am going to eat of the bread 
and drink of the wine of everlasting life.' 

" A youth of about seventeen years, the son of a friend, called, 
at Mr. Frelinghuysen's request, to see him. ' I have sent for you, 
my son,' said he ; 'I want you to see how a Christian can die. I 
have been all my life in fear of that hour, and yet for seven weeks 
I have seen death day by day approaching, and never was calmer. 
.... I have here a little keepsake for you; it is the Bible, from 
Genesis to Revelation. I don't want to exact from you a rigorous 
promise ; but I do want you to say that, by God's grace, you will 
try to do what I have done. For forty-five years, I have made it 
a rule, at noon, or as near to it as I could — perhaps there would 
not be an opportunity before tea-time — to read a chapter in the 
Bible and spend fifteen minutes in private devotion. My son, 
farewell. Go now, and seek God's grace.' " 

Early in his professional career Mr. Frelinghuysen was united 
in marriage to Charlotte, daughter of Archibald Mercer. " Prov- 
idence having denied them children, they were companions 
together at home and abroad." The following quotation reveals 
that he was a lover of children. " In his daily walks in New 
Brunswick, he could scarcely ever meet them in the street, without 
pausing to look in their faces, and engage them in conversation. 
Not unfrequently when he saw them flattening their noses against 
the windows of a toy shop, in their eager desires to scan its treas- 
ures, the childless man would find out what they most coveted, 
and then gratify himself by gratifying them." 

Frederick Frelinghuysen, who became United States Senator, 
and Secretary of State, was his nephew and adopted son. 



SAMUEL FULLER. 

EIGHTH SIGNER OF THE COMPACT, 1620.* 

Samuel Fuller, a Deacon of Rev. John Robinson's church, 
in Leyden, Holland, died at Plymouth, Mass., in 1633. 

A passenger on board the Mayflo7vcr in 1620, he was the 
eighth signer of the Compact, and was one of the planters of 
New Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay. 

" He was the first regularly educated physician that visited New 
England." He did not confine his professional offices to the 
inhabitants of Plymouth and to the Aborigines of the country : 
Salem and Charlestown were destitute of a resident physician, 
and at the request of Governor Endicott were visited by Dr. Fuller. 
He went to Salem to give relief to the sickness introduced 
there by the newly arrived ships, first in 1628, again in 1629. 

The following is a letter from Mr, Fuller, dated Charlestown, 
August 2, 1630. 

" To his loving friend Mr. William Bradford, Governor of Plymouth, these : 
"Sir : — There is come hither a ship (with cattle, and more passengers) on 
Saturday last, which brings this news out of England, that the plague is sore, 
both in the city and country, and that the University of Cambridge is shut up 
by reason thereof. . . . Some are here entered into a church covenant : the first 
was four, namely, the Governor, Mr. John Winthrop, Mr. Johnson, Mr 
Dudley, and Mr. Willson ; since that, five more are joined unto them, and 
oihfis it is like, will add themselves to them daily. The Lord increase them. 
lioth in number and holiness, for his mercy's sake. I here but lose time and 
long to be at home ; I can do them no good, for I want drugs, and things fit- 
ting to work with. I purpose to be at home this week (if God permit) and 

* " American Medical Biography," by James Thacher, Boston 182S ; " Collec- 
tions of Massachusetts Historical Society," first series, vols. 3 and 4 ; Young' s 
" Chronicles of the Pilgrims." 

227 



228 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Mr. Johnson and Captain Endicott will come with me. ... Be you 
lovingly saluted, and my sisters, with Mr. Brewster, and Mr. Smith, and all the 
rest of our friends. The Lord Jesus bless us and the whole Israel of God. 
Amen. 

"Your loving brother-in-law, 

" Samuel Fuller." 

In the manuscript Records of the church in Plymouth, v. i, p. 
42, it is stated : " When the church came away out of Holland, 
they brought with them one deacon, Mr. Samuel Fuller. . . , 
He was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit." John Cotton, 
Esq., in his account of the Church of Christ in Plymouth, written 
1760, speaks of Mr. Fuller as "an eminent surgeon, and a man 
of great piety." 

Mr. Fuller's wife was named Bridget. Their son, Samuel 
Fuller, was a member of the church at Plymouth, served the church 
at Middleborough as preacher, more or less for sixteen years, and 
finally was there ordained to the work of the ministry. He was 
a sincere, godly man, and a useful preacher. 



JONAS GALUSHA. 

GOVERNOR OF VERMONT, 1809-1813, 1815-1820.* 

Jacob Galusha was a farmer and blacksmith, in moderate cir- 
cumstances, but " of unblemished character, sound judgment, and 
much native shrewdness." He married Lydia, daughter of Ma- 
thew Huntington, of Preston, Conn. 

Jonas Galusha, third son of Jacob, was born in Norwich, Conn., 
February ii, 1753; died at Shaftsbury, Vt., October 8, 1834. 

He made agriculture his calling, and pursued that employment 
through life, except when occupied with the duties of public office. 
He was able, even to advanced age, to do the full work of a man, 
with hoe, scythe, sickle or ax. 

When the Revolutionary war commenced, he took an active 
part in favor of the independence of the colonies. He was a 
member of a company, commanded by his brother David, in Col- 
onel Warner's regiment, and did service in Canada in the fall of 
1775. Prior to the battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777, two 
companies of militia had been organized in Shaftsbury, one of 
them under his Captaincy, the other under that of Amos Hunting- 
ton. Captain Huntington being taken prisoner at Ticonderoga, 
the two companies were consolidated under Captain Galusha. 
When he received orders from Col. Moses Robinson to march his 
company to Bennington, he was sick in bed, recovering from a 
fever, but he promptly called out his men and led them to the 
scene of action. He continued in active military service until the 
suri^nder of Burgoyne. 

In civil offices, he was Sheriff of the county of Bennington, 1781 
-1787; member of the Council, 1793-1798; member of the 

* "Jonas Galusha, Fifth Governor of Vermont," by Rev. P. H. White. 

229 



230 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Assembly in 1800; Judge of the State Supreme Court, 1800-1806 ; 
Governor of Vermont, 1809-1813, 1815-1820. 

His executive addresses were short, and in style quite una- 
dorned ; on the contrary his proclamations for Fasts and Thanks- 
givings were of unusual length. Politically, he was a Democrat of 
the Jeffersonian school. 

" Mr. Galusha, though not a member of any church, was, in the 
estimation of those 'most competent to judge, a true Christian. 
He maintained family worship, was known to observe private 
devotions, was an habitual attendant upon public worship and at 
social meetings, and frequently took an active part in the latter. 
In his daily life he was also such as a Christian should be, modest, 
gentle, amiable, upright, faithful to every obligation. When nearly 
seventy-nine years of age, he attended a 'protracted meeting' at 
Manchester, and took an active part in its exercises ; as the result 
of which, he was aroused to a sense of the duty of making a pub- 
lic profession of religion, and announced his intention to do so, 
but was prevented by a stroke of paralysis which he experienced 
soon after, and from which he never recovered." 

He gave freely to various benevolent societies, and was kind 
and liberal to the poor. It was no unusual thing for him, when in 
the discharge of his duties as Sheriff, he had been made the 
instrument of reducing a poor man to still deeper poverty, to fur- 
nish the unfortunate debtor the means of extricating himself. 

He never resented an injury. Such was his integrity that he 
was not seldom chosen as an arbitrator even by his enemies. 

In the cause of temperance, when the total abstinence move- 
ment began, though all his lifetime accustomed to the moderate 
use of alcoholic drinks, he at once abandoned the habit. 

In person, he was stoutly built, about five feet and nine inches 
in height, with light complexion, blue eyes and light hair. His 
dress was plain. In conversation, he was ready, though not copi- 
ous, and he had a vein of humor which rendered him very agree- 
able socially. 

He was four times married. His first wife was Mary, daughter 
of Governor Chittenden, by whom he had five sons and four daugh- 
ters. His children were well trained, and all of them who sur- 
vived childhood, became professors of religion, one of them a 
minister in the Baptist denomination. 



ADDISON GARDINER. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, 1845-1849,* 

Isaac Gardiner, of Brookline, Mass., grandfather of Addison, 
was killed at the battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775. 

Colonel William Gardiner, father of Addison, settled at Rindge, 
N. H., in 1809, removed to Boston, and from thence to Manlius, 
N. Y. 

Addison Gardiner was born at Rindge, N. H., March 19, 1797; 
died at Rochester, N. Y,, June, 1883. 

He established himself in the profession of law at Rochester ; 
became Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in 1829, resigned in 
February, 1838, and resumed the practice of his profession. He 
was elected Lieutenant-Governor of New York in 1844, re-elected' 
in 1846. In 1847 the re-organization of the judicial system of the 
State took effect, and the Court of Appeals was constituted the 
court of last resort. To this court four were elected as perma- 
nent judges. Mr. Gardiner was a member of this Court from 
1847 until the close of 1855, when he retired and removed to his 
farm, purchased a short time previous, just upon the borders of 
Rochester, 

" Mr. Gardiner's religious life began during a revival which 
took place in Rochester about 1840. Who that was present on 
that memorable night and heard the preaching of Dr. Finney, 
which appealed to the intellectual as well as the moral nature, can 
forget the thrill that passed through the assembly to learn that 
Judge Gardiner had bowed to the yoke of Christ, and surrendered 
himself as a sinner to be saved ! Identifying himself at the outset 
with the First Presbyterian Church, he remained a faithful, hum- 

* Addresses by William T. Cogswell, Esq., and Rev. Charles E. Robinson, 
D. D. 

231 



232 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

ble-minded Christian. Those who worshipped at the same altar, 
who sat at the same communion table, who enjoyed the same hope, 
were very dear to him. For many years after his retirement from 
public life, he was in the habit of gathering about him his Bible- 
class, consisting mostly of young men." 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1 88 1.* 

Edward Garfield, the early ancestor of James Abram, was 
one of the one hundred and six proprietors of Watertown, Mass., 
as recorded in 1635, ^^'^ lived to the age of ninety-seven. 

Edward, son of Edward, resided at Watertown, was a freeman 
in 1635, and was a church member. 

Benjamin, fourth child of Edward, Jr., resided at Watertown, 
"remained at home in the old mansion," and " was nine times 
elected to the Colonial Legislature.'' 

Thomas, eldest son, by second wife of Benjamin, was born in 
1680, married in 1706, Mercy, daughter of Joshua Bigelow, by 
whom he had twelve children. " He also made his home at the 
old homestead." 

Abram, in the fourth generation from Thomas Garfield, and 
father of James Abram, was born in Worcester, N. Y., December 
28, 1789 ; when fifteen years of age went to St. Lawrence County, 
where he remained several years, and from there removed to Ohio. 
Here he married February 3, 1820, Eliza Ballou, whose family 
moved from New Hampshire to this same Worcester, where the 
children, who, now become husband and wife, commenced their 
acquaintance. The mother of Mr. Gai^field was early inured to 
hardship. Her father, James Ballou, died when she was eight 
years old, and the widow with her four children moved from their 
New Hampshire home to Worcester, N. Y., thence, when Eliza 
was fourteen years old, to the state of Ohio. She packed her goods 

* Biographies of Garfield by Bundy, Conwell, and Coffin. The latter visited 
Mentor, Ohio, to gain materials, and a portion of the proof sheets were read 
by Mr. Garfield. " Garfield's Words," by W. R. Balch. 

233 



234 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

in a wagon, beds, boxes, pots and pans, and this wagon was the 
home of the family during the six weeks journey. And the home 
of Eliza in Ohio, having become the wife of Abram, was a log 
cabin. 

James Abram Garfield, the fourth child of Abram and Eliza 
Garfield, was born at Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, November 
19, 1831. Affliction entered the family at an early day, and 
James was left fatherless when only eighteen months old. A fire 
broke out in the woods near the " clearing " where was their 
little home. Their wheat field was exposed, and by great exer- 
tion on the part of the father, the fire was warded off and the 
home saved. But the work was too much, and fatal in its results. 
He came in at night heated and exhausted, and got suddenly 
chilled. At the age of thirty-three, in the fulness of his strength, 
he was called away. Immediately before his death, he got up and 
walked across the room, looked out at his oxen and called them by 
name, went back and sat down on the bed, and said, " Eliza, I have 
brought you four young saplings into these woods. Take care of 
them." And she did take care of them. She kept the family 
together, though urged to put the children out, Thomas, the old- 
est, was but nine years old, with Mehitable, Mary, and James. 
She sold land and paid off the debts, leaving a home of thirty 
acres. The wheat crop spoken of was secured by fences, except 
about a hundred rails. There were in readiness for splitting into 
rails, great " chestnut cuts," and a few days after the funeral 
Widow Garfield took her son Thomas out to'the pile of " cuts " 
and with his help, split the needed rails. She was a good seam- 
stress, and would go to the shoemaker's and make clothes for his 
children, while he, in return, would make shoes for her children. 
She had a few sheep, and wool was carded and wove into cloth. 
With all her care and exertion, she was a cheerful woman. She 
was a good singer, and knew a great variety of hymns and ballads, 
and the war songs of 1812. Shortly before James was born, 
she with her husband, through the preaching of a Mr. Bentley, 
became converted to the " Disciples " faith as it was called. This 
Mr. Bentley carried on a mill and store not far from the Garfield 
homestead, and preached throughout that countr3^ Alexander 
Campbell, president of Bethany College, and originally a Presby- 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD. 235 

terian, was the founder of the " Disciples " sect. Mrs, Garfield 
was a great Bible reader, taught her children to read the 
Divine Word, and with them walked to her " Disciples meeting- 
house," three miles away. On a little corner of her farm, she ten- 
dered a building site for a school-house. A log building was 
erected, with seats made of split logs, hewed on the top and sup- 
ported with pegs on the round side. Here James commenced 
his education. As he grew in years, he was able to turn his hand 
to any honorable industry, whether at the carpenter's bench, or as 
a hand on the canal, or swinging a scythe in the hay field, or chop- 
ping his hundred cords of wood at twenty-five cents a cord, mak- 
ing his two cords a day. 

During the winter which followed his eighteenth birthday, he 
taught school to defray his expenses at Cuyahoga Seminary. In 
the little school-house a " Disciples " preacher held a series of 
meetings, and Mr. Garfield attended, was impressed, and yielded 
his heart to the Saviour. He made a public profession of relig- 
ion, and was baptized in the faith of his mother. 

In the spring of 185 1, he applied for admission to the Eclectic 
Institute at Hiram, Portage County. The Board of Trustees 
were in session at the time, and he stated his case : " My mother 
is a widow with very little money. I want to obtain an education, 
and would like the privilege of making the fires, and sweejiing the 
floors of the building to pay part of my expenses." The privilege 
was granted, and he commenced study. 

Mr. Garfield entered Williams College in 1854. He would 
naturally have chosen Bethany in Western Virginia, founded by 
Mr. Campbell, and sustained by the Disciples. Touching the 
matter of choosing Williams, Mr. Bundy produces the following 
communication from Mr, Garfield, which he finds in Whitelaw 
Reid's "Ohio in the War:" 

" There are three reasons why I have decided not to go to 
Bethany : First, the course of study is not so extensive as in 
Kastern colleges ; second, Bethany leans too heavily towards 
slavery; third, I am the son of Disciple parents, am one myself, 
and have had but little acquaintance with people of other views, 
and have alwavs lived in the West. These considerations led me 



236 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

to conclude to go to some New England college. I therefore 
wrote to the Presidents of Brown University, Yale, and Williams, 
setting forth the amount of study I had done, and asking how 
long it would take me to finish their course. Their answers are 
now before me. All tell me I can graduate in two years. They 
are all brief business notes, but President Hopkins concludes with 
this sentence : ' If you come here, we shall be glad to do what we 
can for you.' Other things being so nearly equal, this sentence, 
which seems to be a kind of friendly grasp of the hand, has 
settled the question. I shall start for Williams next week." 

Of his career in college, different parties have made note as 
follows : 

" General Garfield was not sent to college ; he cmne. This often 
makes a distinction between college students." 

" I think he was considered our best debater." 

" He was a man of a sweet, large and wholesome nature, and 
endeared himself the most to those who knew him best." 

" He early joined the Mills Theological Societ}', and success- 
ively filled the ofiices of Librarian and President." 

"We used to have an annual holiday called 'Mountain-day.' 
At the close of one, a Fourth of July evening, on the summit of 
'Greylock,' seven miles from college, there was a goodly gather- 
ing of students about their camp-fire, when Garfield, the recog- 
nized leader, taking a copy of the New Testament from his 
pocket, said : ' Boys, I am accustomed to read a chapter with my 
absent mother every night ; shall I read aloud .'' ' All assenting, 
he read to us the chapter his mother in Ohio was then reading, 
and called on a classmate to pray." 

On finishing his course at Williams, Mr. Garfield became an 
instructor at Hiram College, and finally President of the Institu- 
tion. Four hundred students and more were in attendance. 
One of his students, Rev. J. L, Darsie, of Danbury, Conn., writes : 
'• No matter how old the pupils were, Garfield always called us by 
our first names. He played with us freely, walked with us in 
walking to and fro, and we treated him out of the class-room just 
about as we did one another. Yet he was a strict disciplinarian." 

He combined teaching with the work of the Gospel, occupying 
some pulpit on the Sabbath. 



JAMES ABKAM GARFIELD. 237 

At the Republican Convention held at Ravenna 1859, he was 
nominated for State Senator. How this nomination was received 
by the Disciple churches, and of Mr. Garfield's own view of the 
question, Clark Braden gives particulars. 

*' He was nominated Tuesday, and on Friday following, the 
Cuyahoga County annual meeting of the Disciple churches began 
in Solon. The writer lived in Solon, and attended the meeting. 
Almost the only topic of conversation was the nomination of 
Brother Garfield. A large majority were earnest in their opposi- 
tion to his abandoning the ministry for politics. Garfield was 
preaching for the church in Solon, and attended one of the meet- 
ings. Soon as the audience was dismissed, he was surrounded by 
men and women, entreating him to say then and there, that he 
would not accept the nomination. To all, he replied pleasantly, 
that he had not accepted, and would not till satisfied that duty 
required him to do so. On walking home with the writer, he 
said : ' Clark, what do you advise me to do ? ' I replied, 
' Brother Garfield, I advise you to follow your own convictions 
of right and duty. You have, achieved success as a preacher. 
But if you believe you can take with you into political life, your 
integrity and Christian manhood, and retain them, there is a more 
useful career open for you there. We need Christian statesmen.' 
After a moment's silence, he replied : ' I believe I can enter 
political life, and retain my integrity. ..." Mother is at Jason 
Robbins's. I will go there and talk with her. If she will give 
her consent I will accept the nomination.' I saw him the next 
day. He told me his mother said, in substance : ' James, I have 
had a hope and a desire, ever since you joined the church, that 
you would preach. I have been happy in your success as a 
preacher. But I do not want my wishes to lead you into a 
life-work that you do not prefer to all others. If you can retain 
your manhood and religion, in political life, and believe you can 
do the most good there, you have my full consent, and prayers 
for your success.' He concluded : ' I have written and accepted 
the nomination.' " 

In 1861, Mr. Garfield entered the army as Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, and subsequently was 
appointed a Brigadier-General. In 1862 he was elected a Rep- 



238 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

resentative from Ohio to the Thirty-eighth Congress. Con- 
cerning his nomination for Congress, Mr. Bundy says: "It 
would have been a high compliment for any man, however 
long in the public service, to represent the constituency which 
had kept Joshua R. Giddings continuously in Congress for nearly 
a quarter of a century, while he was in the forefront of the fight 
against slavery. To Garfield, then less than thirty-one years of 
age, it was an especially distinguished tribute." 

He was elected to the Thirty-ninth Congress, to the Fortieth 
Congress, and to the four succeeding Congresses, 

On the Tariff question, Mr. Garfield occupied medium ground. 
He says : " As an abstract theory, the doctrine of Free Trade seems 
to be universally true, but as a question of practicability under a 
Government like ours, the protective system seems to be indis- 
pensable. If all the kingdoms of the world should become the 
Kingdoms of the Prince of Peace, then I admit that universal 
Free Trade ought to prevail. But that blessed era is yet too 
remote to be made the basis of the practical legislation of to- 
day." 

While a hard worker in the duties of Congress, he found time 
for his favorite studies. " I am now up to my eyes in the work of 
the Committee on Appropriations, of which I am Chairman, 
though I do manage to steal a little time from work and sleep, 
almost every da\', to read over carefully a few lines from Horace." 

The inauguration of Mr. Garfield as President of the United 
States, took place at Washington on Friday, March 4, 188 1. 

Mr. Hayes escorted his venerable mother and Mrs. Garfield to 
the gallery seats reserved for them. The assemblage arose as 
Mr. Hayes entered having General Garfield on his arm. The 
General wore a frock coat buttoned up, vest and pantaloons of 
black cloth, black neck-tie, over which his collar was turned 
down. They were shown to seats in the center of the chamber. 
On the opening of the new session Vice-President Wheeler 
requested the Chaplain to offer prayer. That official invoked the 
blessing of Divine Providence upon the incoming administration, 
and asked that prosperity, health, and happiness might attend 
those whose connection with the Government had ceased. While 
this prayer was being offered, both Mr. Hayes and Mr. Garfield 



JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD. 239 

rose, and remained standing. For the first time in the history of 
the Government, the mother of the President listened to the son's 
inaugural. After its delivery, the Chief-Justice administered the 
prescribed oath, which was reverently taken. President Garfield's 
first act was to kiss his mother and his wife. 

The early experiences at the White House, brought illness to 
Mrs. Garfield, and anxiety and sadness filled the heart of the 
President. When her recovery was assured, and happier 
days seemed at hand, by the bullet of the assassin, mourning 
came to the family, the nation, and the world. The deed was 
accomplished at Washington on the morning of July 3, 1881. 
The President's death occurred at Long Branch, New Jersey, Sep- 
tember 19, 1881. 

The funeral exercises at Washington took place on Friday, 
September 20. The address was delivered by Rev. T. D. Power, 
of the Vermont Avenue Christian Church, of which President 
Garfield was a member. " We remember," said he, " with joy his 
faith in the Son of God, whose gospel he sometimes himself 
preached." 

South Carolina offered her tribute. Among the resolutions at 
a gathering of citizens in Charleston, was the following: "That 
as South Carolinians, living in the so-styled cradle of the 
Rebellion, we honor the memory of James A. Garfield, be- 
cause, as President, his purposes and his policy, passed beyond 
the lines of party and of section, and knew no other limit than the 
boundaries of the Republic, and the welfare of the whole people." 

England offered her tribute. " Not only in London but 
throughout the country, the bells of many parish churches were 
tolled, a tribute never before paid to a foreign ruler." 

Among the sayings of Garfield may be noted the following : 

" The greater part of our modern literature bears evident 
marks of the haste which characterizes all the movements of this 
age ; but, in reading these older authors, we are impressed with 
the idea that they enjoyed the most comfortable leisure." 

" I, for one declare that no child of mine shall ever be com- 
pelled to study one hour, or to learn even the English Alphabet, 
before he has deposited under his skin, at least seven years of 
muscle and bone," 



240 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" It is only when the people speak truth and justice, that their 
voice can be called 'the voice of God.' " 

" This public life is a weary, wearing one, that leaves one but 
little time for that quiet reflection, which is so necessary to keep 
up a growth and vigor of Christian character. But I hope I have 
lost none of my desire to be a true man, and keep ever before me 
the character of the great Nazarene." 

" I would rather be defeated than make capital out of my 
religion." 

" The worst days of darkness through which I have ever 
passed, have been greatly alleviated, by throwing myself with all 
my energy into some work relating to others." 

" For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict." 

Mr. Garfield married November ii, 1858, Lucretia Rudolph, a 
former associate with him in study, and afterwards his pupil. 
Two of the sons graduated at Williams College, and entered the 
legal jDrofession. 






/yn^ 



JOSHUA REIiD GIDDINGS. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1838-1859.* 

George Giddings, early ancestor of Joshua R., was a " husband- 
man " in Great St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England. He sailed 
for New England with his wife Jane Tuttle and three servants, 
April 2, 1635, and established himself at Ipswich, Massachusetts. 
He served eleven years in the General Court ; was long a Ruling 
Elder in the First Church; and his estate was valued at ;{^io2i 
1 2 J. dd. 

Joshua Giddings, grandfather of Joshua R., born in 17 19, 
resided first in Lyme, Connecticut, afterwards in Hartland, and 
lived to the age of eighty-eight. He was a member of the Con- 
gregational Church of Hartland ; married Jane Reed, by whom 
he had ten children, four sons and six daughters. 

Joshua Giddings, son of the preceding, was born in 1756 and 
lived to the age of seventy-seven. He emigrated from Hartland 
to Athens, Pa., thence to Canandaigua, N. Y., thence to Ash- 
tabula County, O., settling in Williamsfield in 18 12, where he 
remained during life. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war, was twice married, and had ten children. 

Joshua Reed Giddings, youngest child of Joshua, was born at 
Tioga-Point, now Athens, Bradford County, Penn., October 6, 
1795 ; died at Montreal, British America, May 27, 1864. 

He was ten years of age when his parents removed to Ohio. 
His early opportunities for education were confined to the inter- 
vals of labor on his father's farm. When seventeen years of age, 



* "Giddings Family," by M. S. Giddings; Felt's "History of Ipswich," 
1834 ; Buell's " J. R. Giddings ; " " Speeches in Congress, by Giddings." 
16 241 



242 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

war wiUi Great Britain was declared, and he served a few months 
as a soldier in protecting the northwestern frontier. 

When nineteen years of age, he taught school, and enjoyed the 
instruction of a neighboring clergyman. In 1817, he commenced 
the study of law with Elisha Whittlesey. Admitted to the Bar in 
1820, he entered upon the practice of his profession at Jefferson, 
the county seat of Ashtabula. 

In 1826, he was chosen a Representative to the State Legisla- 
ture ; after serving one term devoted himself to his profession till 
1838 ; was then elected a Representative in Congress as succes- 
sor of Mr. Whittlesey, and received re-election ten times in succes- 
sion. 

" On going to Washington his capital was clearness of brain, 
strength of body, honesty of purpose, and a solemn sense of 
responsibility to his God and to his constituency. His huge 
frame, ponderous fists and feet, gigantic shoulders, set off by 
plain clothes of rustic cut, and topped by his good-natured coun- 
tenance, misled the Southern members into the notion that he 
would serve them best as a butt for their jokes." 

The following quotations bearing upon the slavery agitation are 
drawn from " Speeches in Congress, by Joshua R. Giddings." 

" Biblical history informs us, that ' God gave to man dominion 
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls of the air, and over 
the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing 
that creepeth upon the earth.' These are property and we derive 
our title from Him who created them. But I have yet to learn 
that any man holds title to his fellow-man from that high source." 

" Sir, man may be scourged until he surrenders his indepen- 
dence, his will, his intellect, until the only apparent evidence of 
his manhood shall be his external form, but you cannot transform 
him into a brute. Low down in the recesses of the heart, the fire 
of immortality will continue to bum. When he sees an opportu- 
nity, he will assert his right to freedom and by the power of his 
own arm, will vindicate the dignity of his nature. The case 
before us is an illustration. These Africans were seized, placed 
in irons, sold. Montez and Ruiz purchased them, took bills of 
sale, as they would in the purchase of mules or sheep. They 



JOSHUA REED GIDDLXGS. 243 

vainly thouglit the immortal intellect had been blotted out, and 
the image of God reduced to a level with swine. They called 
them property. But when upon the mighty deep, where no aid 
could be obtained to hold them in that condition, the hidden fire 
of their natures bursts forth into a flame ; their chains were cast 
from them, their arms were nerved, they struck for freedom. . . . 
Those who had purchased and claimed them as property, turned 
pale and plead for mercy at their hands." 

" . . . . These hucksterers in human flesh, critically examined 
the bodies and limbs, and judged of the age, the qualities and mar- 
ketable value of fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and children. 
I doubt whether any slave market in Africa was ever attended by 
more expert dealers in human chattels than was the market of 
this city which profanes the name of Washington. But, sir, their 
victims were born and bred under our laws for this very purpose. 
Tiiis city and the surrounding country, had been familiar to them 
from their earliest recollection ; here they had formed their asso- 
ciations ; in our churches they had listened to the preaching of the 
Gospel, and there they had been admitted to church fellowship. 
Such we're the people whose bodies were made merchandise under 
our laws. Such were the people purchased by those slave deal- 
ers, who now ask us to aid them in carrying out their speculations 
in the bodies of Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, and Episco- 
palians." 

[Of the Fugitive Slave Law,] " If a fugitive from oppression 
reaches my door amid the ragings of the storm, half clad, and 
benumbed with cold, and asks to warm himself by my fire, this 
law interferes. . . . Sir, our people will continue to feed the 
hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, to relieve the 
oppressed ; and no interference of this fugitive law will prevent 
this compliance with the dictates of our religion, with the law 
which came from God himself. ... I speak for no one but 
myself and constituents ; others will choose whether to obey God 
or the oppressors of mankind." 

[Referring to Mr. Venable of North Carolina.] " I wish to 
appeal to the conscience of that gentleman. I understand that 
he belongs to the Methodist Church. Now, the great and good 
founder of that denomination, John Wesley, has declared slavery 



244 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

to be ' the sum of all villanies.' " [Mr, Venable said the gen- 
tleman was mistaken, that he was -d. Presbyterian?^ Mr. Giddings 
resumed : " Can it be that the gentleman is a Presbyterian, and 
yet holds slaves, and regards slavery a blessing ? Would he sit 
down on the Sabbath with his slave, who is also a brother in 
Christ, of the Presbytterian faith, at the sacramental board ; . . . . 
partake with him of the bread and the wine, of the body and the 
blood of a crucified Redeemer, and on Monday sell that brother, 
bearing the image of his God, for paltry lucre, and 3'et claim to 
be a Presbyterian ? " 

" I am one of those who solemnly believe that transgression 
and punishment are inseparably connected. I feel as confident 
that chastisement for the offences which we have committed 
against the down-trodden sons of Africa, await this people, as I do 
that justice controls the destinies of nations." 

Mr. Giddings was once challenged to fight a duel by'a repre- 
sentative from the South. The challenge was promptly accepted, 
and the friend of the party, in tendering the challenge, requested 
Mr. Giddings to name the time and place. The latter said, " I 
suppose I have the right, according to the 'code,' to choose the 
weapons." " Yes," was the answer. "I will then choose horse 
whipSj and they shall be used till one or the othev cries for quar- 
ter ; and I wish a strong cord, about three feet long, tied to the 
left wrist of each. I want him fixed so that I can haul him up 
and keep him within reach." The challenger dropped the subject. 

On his retirement from the Thirty-fifth Congress, he was pre- 
sente'l with a silver service and a gold-headed cane. On the 
cane and on several of the silver pieces was inscribed : " Pre- 
sentf^d by 104 members of the Thirty-fifth Congress to Joshua R. 
Giddings, as a token of their respect for his moral worth and 
per«=>onal integrity." Each member subscribed five dollars, 
regardless of political sentiment. 

Charles Sumner writes to Mr. Giddings : " I cannot disguise 
the deep regard and reverence with which your unselfish devotion 
to high principles has filled me." 

William H. Seward writes : " You have overcome sentiments 
the most prejudiced and violent, and have established for your- 



JOSHUA REED G ID DINGS. 245 

self a name that the friends of humanity will never suffer to 
perish." 

John Quincy Adams, in an autograph album, kept by Mr. Gid- 
dings during the year 1844, writes : 

To Joshua R. Giddings, 

Of Jefferson, Ashtabula County, Ohio. 

When first together here we meet. 

Askance each other we behold, 

The bitter mingling with the sweet, 

The warm attempered by the cold ; 

We seek with searching ken to find 

A soul congenial to our own ; 

For mind, in sympathy with mind, 

Instinctive dreads to walk alone. 

And here, from regions wide apart. 

We came our purpose to pursue, 

Each with a warm and honest heart, 

Each with spirits firm and true. 

Intent, with anxious aim to learn, 

Each other's character we scan. 

And soon the difference discern 

Between the fair and faithless man. 

And here, with scrutinizing eye, 

A kindred soul with mine to see 

And longing bosom to descry 

I sought, and found at last — in thee. 

Farewell, my friend ! and, if once more 

We meet within this hall again, 

Be ours t*lie blessing to restore 

Our Country's and the rights of men. 

John Quincy Adams, 

of Quincy, Massachusetts. 
n. R., U. S., WASHiNr.TON, June 17, 1844. 

Anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill. 

In 1861, Mr. Giddings was appointed by President Lincoln 
Consul General to British North America. In a letter to a rela- 
tive in Gt. Barrington, Mass., dated JefTerson, Ohio, March 27, 

1864, just two months before his decease, he says "I am 

in my sixty-ninth year, and my wife is sixty-seven. I have been 
subject to disease of the heart, and was twice stricken down 
while speaking in Congress. I expect to die in the next attack, 



246 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

as my physician assures me I cannot live through another. Yet I 
maintain a cheerful state of mind. ... I yet retain the office of 
Consul General to the British North American Provinces, and 
start in the course of an hour for Montreal, by way of Wash- 
ington." 

Says the New York Independent of Mr. Giddings : " He was a 
sincere Christian, a truly devoted patriot, a warm friend, an 
uncompromising opponent of that which he believed to be 
wrong." 

In 1843 he wrote a series of political essays, signed 
" Pacificus." A volume of his " Speeches in Congress " was pub- 
lished in Boston in 1853 ; in 1858 appeared " The Exiles of 
Florida," published at Columbus, Ohio. 

He was united in marriage September 24, 1819, to Laura 
Waters, by whom he had five children, three sons and two daugh- 
ters. 



CHARLES GOODRICH. 

DELEGATE TO PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, 1 7 74.* 

Charles Goodrich, grandson of William, the first settler of 
Wethersfield, Conn., and son and sixteenth child of David 
Goodrich, was born in Wethersfield, April 6, 1720; died at Pitts- 
field, Mass., November 15, 1816. 

He purchased of Colonel Wendell in June, 1752, for the sum of 
four hundred seventy-three pounds, seven shillings and fourpence, 
•' one third of his one third part of the Commons, or undivided 
lands," of Pontoosuck, now Pittsfield. He also owned large 
tracts of real estate, in what are now the towns of Hancock and 
Lanesborough. Possessing enterprise and intellectual ability, 
he took rank as a foremost man in matters pertaining to the wel- 
fare of the town. 

He was chosen a Representative to the State Legislature in 
1764, 1769, and 1770 ; was a Delegate to the Provincial Congress 
in 1774; was Judge of the County Court of Common Pleas from 
1781 to 1788. 

While a Representative at Boston in 1774, Mr. Goodrich 
received a communication dated January 19, which embodied, 
" Instructions of the Town of Pittsfield to its Representative, 
regarding the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor, December 10, 
1773." Uttering 'its displeasure and protest, the paper of 
Instructions closed as follows : 

" We do therefore enjoin it upon you, that by all prudent means you mani- 
fest the abhorrence which your constituents have of the said illegal transac- 
tion, . . . and especially that you do not directly or indirectly consent to any 

•"History of Pittsfield, Mass., 1 734-1800," by J. E. A. Smith; Allen's 
"Biographical Dictionary;" Walker's "History of First Congregational 
Church, Hartford." 

-47 



248 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

proposals which may be made to render your constituents chargeable .... to 
the owners of said tea, as we have determined, at all events, never to pay or 
advance one farthing thereto ; and, if your assistance is called for, that you 
exert yourself to bring the persons connected in the destruction of said tea, 
to condign punishment. And it is the expectation of this town, that you 
strictly adhere to these, their instructions, as you value their regard or resent- 
ment. 

" William Williams, 

" woodbridge little, 

,, T^ „ t Committee. 

" David Bush, ' 

"Eli Root. 
"To Capt. Charles Goodrich." 

The labors of Mr. Whitefield in Connecticut provoked opposition 
among certain of the clergy, and they signed a paper forbidding 
him to enter their pulpits. The grace of God, however, through 
this eminent evangelist, touched the heart of Mr. Goodrich, for it 
is recorded, that he "obtained a hope under Whitefield in 1741." 
In the religious welfare of the town of Pittsfield he becomes 
prominent. " Charles Goodrich, Stephen Crofoot, and William 
Williams, were appointed to hire some man from time to time to 
preach among us." In 1764, "The Church of Christ in Pittsfield 
was formed, Rev. Thomas Allen accepted the pastorate, and Mr. 
Goodrich, with others, became a member by letter." 

Mr. Goodrich was in the battle of Bennington, and "" he held 
the plow at the first cattle-show of the Berkshire Agricultural 
Society." 

He left a daughter and two sons, all living to very advanced 
age. His son Charles graduated at Yale College, became a 
clergyman, and served at Havana, N. Y. His grandson, Charles 
S., became a physician in Brooklyn. 



CHAUNCEY GOODRICH. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1807-1813.* 

Chauncey Goodrich, eldest child of Rev. Elizur Goodrich, 
D. D., of Durham, Conn., was born at Durham, October 20, 
1759; died at Hartford, August 18, 1815. 

He was educated at Yale College ; spent several years as 
instructor in that institution, and finally established himself in 
the profession of law at Hartford. 

He was a Representative in the State Legislature in 1793 ; a 
Representative in Congress from 1795 to 1801 ; and was elected 
United States Senator in 1807. 

" From his early youth," says the Rev. Dr.* Strong, " he was a 
believer in the Christian Religion. Reasons of a peculiar nature, 
which it is not necessary I should explain particularly, prevented a 
public profession of his faith. ... As the testimony of such a man 
in favor of Christian piety ought never to be secreted, I must be 
indulged in mentioning what he said to me. Speaking of a moral 
life, as it is distinguished from the grace of God in the heart, he 
remarked : 'A moral life of itself is nothing for the salvation oj 
the soul. I have lived a moral life in the estimation of the 7vorld ; 
but I am a buiidle of itiiquity in the sight of a holy God. If there 
were 7iot an atonancnt, I must he condemned and miserable forever. 
Here fny hope is stayed. So?netitnes a sense of my oion imperfection 
sinks my spirits ; generally, I have a hope that supports tne ; at 
times, I have rejoiced ifi God without fear, and wished only to be in 
His hands and serve himJ " 

Says another writer : " He read the Scriptures habitually, even 
in the busiest scenes of his life. So highly did he prize public 

* " Discourse," by Rev. Nathan Strong, D. D., 181 5; " Ilollister's History of 
Connecticut," Appendix. 

249 



250 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

worship, that he once remarked, he would attend on jDreaching of 
a very low intellectual order, which was even repulsive to his 
taste, and that he always did so if he could find no better, when 
away from hqme, rather than be absent from the house of 
God." 

In his person, he was a little above the medium height, with 
blue eyes, and countenance singularly expressive. His manners, 
his knowledge, his integrity and benevolence, endeared him to the 
people. 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON. 

FIRST SECRETARY OF THE UNITED STATES TREASURY, 1789-1795.* 

Alexander Hamilton was born in the island of Nevis, West 
Indies, in 1757. 

He took a partial course at Columbia College, and turned his 
attention to the law in the city of New York. 

He was a Delegate to the Continental Congress, in 1782, 1783 ; 
in 1786 was elected to the State Assembly; in 1789 was 
appointed by Washington, Secretary of the United States Treas- 
ury, and held the office until his resignation in 1795. In 17.98 he 
was associated with Washington in command of the army, holding 
the office of Major-General. In 1804, he had a difficulty with 
Aaron Burr which resulted in a duel, which took place at 
Hoboken, and having received a fatal shot, he died on the follow- 
ing day, July 12, 1804. 

In his sermon on Hamilton, delivered in the North Dutch 
Church, Albany, July 29th, 1804, Rev. Eliphalet Nott thus 
speaks : 

" He dies a Christian. This is all which can be enrolled of him 
among the archives of Eternity. This is all that can make his 
name great in heaven. Let not the sneering infidel persuade you 
that this last act of homage to the Saviour, resulted from an 
enfeebled state of mental faculties, or from perturbation occa- 
sioned by the near approach of death. No ; his opinions con- 
cerning the Divine Mission of J-esus Christ, and the validity of 
the Holy Scriptures, had long been settled, and settled after 
laborious investigation, and extensive and deep research. These 

*"\ational Portrait Gallery"; "Lives of Illustrious Men of America"; 
Appleton ; Boston Recorder; "Discourse," by Elii)halet Nott; "Alexander 
Hamilton," by Lodge; " Homes of America," by Mrs. Lamb. 

251 



252 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN R ULERS. 

opinions were not concealed. I knew them myself. Some of you 
who hear me knew them. And had his life been spared, it was 
his determination to have published them, together with the facts 
and reasons on which they were founded." 

Rev. J. M.. Mason describes an interview which he held with 
Mr. Hamilton after the duel. He writes : 

" On the morning of Wednesday, the nth inst., shortly after the 
rumor of the General's injury had created an alarm in the city, a 
note from Dr. Post informed me that he was extremely ill at Mr. 
William Bayard's, and expressed a particular desire to see me as 
soon as possible. I went immediately. ... I then adverted to 
the infinite merit of the Redeemer as the propitiation for sin, the 
sole ground of our acceptance with God, and cited the following 
passages : ' There is no other name given under heaven among 
men whereby we must be saved.' ' He is able to save them 
to the uttermost who come unto God by Him.' ' The blood of 
Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.' This last passage intro- 
duced the affair of the duel. I reminded the General that he was 
not to be instructed as to its moral aspect ; that the blood of 
Christ was as effectual and as necessary to wash away the trans- 
gression which had involved him, as any other transgression ; and 
^that he must then seek peace for his conscience and a hope that 
should ' not make him ashamed.' He assented, with strong emo- 
tions, to these representations, and declared his abhorrence of the 
whole transaction. ' It was always,' added he ' against my * 
principles. I used every expedient to avoid the interview ; but I 
have found, for some time past, that my life must be exposed to 
that man. I went to the field determined not to take his life.' 
He repeated his disavowal of all intention to hurt Mr. Burr, and 
his humble hope of forgiveness from his God. I recurred to the 
topic of the divine compassion, the freedom of pardon in the 
Redeemer. ' That grace, my dear General, which brings salva- 
tion is rich, rich!' 'Yes,' interrupted he, 'it is 7-ich grace /^ 
' And on that grace,' continued I, ' the sinner has the highest 
encouragement to repose his confidence. . . . ' Here the Gen- 
eral, letting go my hand, which he had held from the moment I 
sat down at his bedside, clasped his hands together, and looking 
up towards heaven, said, with emphasis, ' I have a tender reliance 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON: 253 

on the mercy of tlie Almighty, through the merits "of the Lord 
Jesus Christ.' . . ." 

Says Ambrose Spencer of Mr. Hamilton : "He argued cases 
before me while I sat as a Judge on the Bench, Webster has 
done the same. In power of reasoning Hamilton was the equal 
of Webster ; in creative power Hamilton was Webster's superior. 
It was he more than any other man, who thought out the Constitu- 
tion of the United States and the details of the government of the 
Union." 

Mr. Hamilton was small in stature, very erect, with manners 
frank, and voice musical. He built his house on the upper part 
of Manhattan Island, on what is now known as Washington 
HeigiUs, removing his family in 1809. At that time the location 
was some eight miles north of the city limits ; and he generally 
drove to and from town in a two wheeled carriage. He took 
pride in his home, and attended personally to the arrangement of 
the grounds. Thirteen gum-trees were planted by his own hand, 
which were to symbolize the thirteen original states of the Union. 

Dartmouth, New Jersey, and Harvard Colleges, each conferred 
upon Mr. Hamilton the degree of LL. D. His collected writings, 
edited by his son, John C, were issued in an edition of seven vol- 
umes in 1850. 

He was united in marriage December 14, 1780, to Elizabeth, 
daughter of General Schuyler, by whom he had five sons and two 
daughters. Mrs. Hamilton died in Washington, November 9, 
1854, aged ninety-seven. 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNTfED STATES, 184I.* 

Benjamin Harrison, great-grandfalher of WiHiam Henry, 
resided at Berkley, on the banks of the James River, Charles City 
County, Virginia. It was a beautiful seat, in full view of City 
Point, the seaport of Petersburg and Richmond. So late as 1842, 
the property was still in the hands of the Harrison name. 

"Benjamin Harrison (grandfather of William Henry), married 
the eldest daughter of Mr. Carter, the King's Surveyor General, 
by whom he had six sons and four daughters. Two of the daugh- 
ters, with himself, were at the same time during the occurrence of 
a thunder-storm, killed by lightning in the mansion house at 
Berkley." 

Benjamin, father of William Henry, was the eldest son of 
Benjamin Harrison. He became a student in the College of 
William and Mary, but in consequence of a misunderstanding 
with one of the officers, did not remain to graduate. He served 
in the Provincial Legislature, and was a Delegate to the Conti- 
nental Congress in i774-'75-'76. The first President of Congress, 
Peyton Randolph, was his brother-in-law, and on his decease, the 
new appointment lay between John Hancock and Mr. Harrison. 
The latter reasoned with his colleagues, and succeeded in obtain- 
ing for Mr. Hancock a unanimous vote. Hancock did not favor 
accepting the position. " Harrison seized the modest candidate 
in his arms and placed him in the Presidential chair; tlien turned 
and said : 'We will show mother Britain hov^^ little we care for 
her, by making a Massachusetts man, whom she has excluded 

* " Lives of the Signers," by Goodrich ; Biographies of Harrison, Jackson, 
Burr; Boston Recorder; " Discourse," by Rev. C. Van Rensselaer. 

254 



IVILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



25^ 



from pardon by public proclamation, our President.' " Mr. Har- 
rison signed the Declaration of Independence ; after his congres- 
sional service, served several years in the House of Burgesses, 
was elected Governor of Virginia in 1782, and was twice 
re-elected. 

William Henry Harrison, youngest son of the third Benjamin 
Harrison, was born at Berkley, Charles City County, Va., Feb. 9, 
1773, died in the Presidential Mansion at Washington, D. C, 
April 4, 1 841. 

The care of his education was committed to his guardian, Robert 
Morris, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, his father 
having died when he was seventeen years old, leaving him no 
inheritance. He studied at Hampden, Sidney College, and then 
took up a course in medicine under the instruction of Dr. Benja- 
min Rush, also one of the Signers of the Declaration. 

He received from Washington a military commission in 1791 ; 
fought under Wayne ; gained an important victory in the battle of 
Tippecanoe ; and in the war with Great Britain was Commander 
of the Northwest army. He was elected a Representative in 
Congress from Ohio in 1816; was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1825, and was elected President of the United States in 
1840. 

The following are notes and items referring to Mr. Harrison's 
religious character: 

" Rev. Mr, Brainerd, of Philadelphia, in the course of a sermon 
preached in 1841, stated that a friend of his, preaching in the 
West, requested those present at a certain meeting, who desired 
to receive the prayers of the congregation, to stand up. General 
Harrison was the first to respond to the call, and from that time 
commenced his religious career." 

" Bishop Chase states that on his first missionary visit to the 
West, 18 1 5, General Harrison was one of a few gentlemen who 
in a private house in Cincinfiati, co-operated with him in organ- 
izing the first Protestant Episcopal Church in the valley of the 
Mississippi." 

Says the Rev. Mr. Brooks, of Christ Church, Cincinnati : 
•' When in the city, Mr, Harrison seldom failed to attend the 



256 A M ERICA N CHRIS TIA N RUI ERS. 

weekly meeting held in the lecture room. Nor can we forbear to 
mention the impression made upon us by his attendance on one 
particular evening. It was while the returns of the presidential 
election were coming in, and when his success had just been 
placed beyond all doubt. His friends were rejoicing and congratu- 
lating him. The night was damp and dreary, and there were few 
in attendance, but our venerable parishioner was among them. 
And when I saw him enter, the thought which passed through my 
mind was this : If at such a time, you can remember the weekly 
meeting, and come out in such weather, you must take pleasure in 
being where two or three are met together in the name of 
Christ." 

The first Sabbath after his inauguration, he was annoyed by 
visitors at his house; and he remarked to one of the family: 
" We must break up at once this Sunday visiting." The next Sab- 
bath certain Foreign Ambassadors called, and were refused admit- 
tance, as being contrary to the President's habits; but in the evening- 
some gentlemen were admitted under the plea of being particular 
friends. He sat with them a few minutes and then politely said : 
" Gentlemen, I shall be happy to see you any evening but Sunday 
evening; " and retired to his room, leaving them with other mem- 
bers of his family. 

Mr. Harrison had regularly instructed a Bible class of ladies, 
for some time previous to his departure from Ohio for Washington. 
He maintained daily prayer during his occupancy of the Presiden- 
tial Mansion, and expressed his determination before his last 
illness to connect himself with the church of Christ. 

The following is a reminiscence of interest. 

" During the Presidential campaign, Mr. Russell, the singer, paid 
a visit to Mr. Harrison's home at North Bend. Among the songs 
sung was a plaintive domestic one entitled ' My Old Wife.' Mrs. 
Harrison gave way to tears, and the husband could not refrain 
from weeping, also. The former apologized, saying that she 
dreaded the change from North Bend to Washington, and from her 
husband's quiet superintendence of his farm, to the cares and 
responsibilities of the Chief Executive of the nation. ' I wish,' 
said she, ' my husband's friends had left him where he is, happy 
and contented in his retirement.' " 



WILLIAM IIENR V HA RRISON. 257 

Mr. Harrison's Inaugural Address, given March 4, 1841, con- 
tains the following : 

" I deem the present occasion sufficiently important and solemn 
to justify me in expressing to my fellow-citizens a profound rever- 
ence for the Christian religion, and a thorough conviction that 
sound morals, religious liberty, and a just sense of religious 
responsibility, are essentially connected with all true and lasting 
happiness; and to that good Being who has blessed us by the 
gifts of civil and religious freedom, who watched over and 
prospered the labors of our fathers, and has hitherto preserved to us 
institutions far exceeding in excellence those of any other people, 
let us unite in fervently commending every interest of our beloved 
country in all future time." 

John Scott Harrison, son of William Henry, was a Representative 
in Congress from 1853 until 1857. 

Benjamin Harrison, grandson of William Henry, graduated at 
Miami University ; established himself in the law at Indianapolis ; 
was Senator in Congress from 1881 until 1887 ; and was inaugu- 
rated President of the United States, March 4, 1889. 
17 



HENRY PHILEMON HAVEN. 

MAYOR OF NORWICH, 1 85 2.* 

Philemon Haven, father of Henry Philemon, was the grand- 
son of the minister of Wrentham, Mass., and married Mrs. Fannie 
M. Caulkins. " He was large, portly, handsome, affable and 
generous." 

Henry Philemon Haven was born in Norwich Town, Conn., 
February ii, 1815, died at New London, April 30, 1876. 

He was left to the care of his mother at the age of four, " and 
from her he drew energy, industry, intelligence, patriotism and 
piety." 

He moved to New London at the age of fifteen and entered 
the employ of Thomas W. Williams, merchant, in the whaling bus- 
iness ; was received as book-keeper at the age of eighteen, as 
confidential clerk at twenty-one, and at twenty-three became a 
partner in the firm. The first steam-whaler went out from their 
house and in one voyage with an outfit of forty thousand dollars, 
secured after fifteen months a cargo of oil and bone valued at 
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He held successful con- 
nection with the firm of Williams, Haven & Co. for nearly forty 
years. 

In the cause of education, Mr. Haven was active. He was 
chairman of the New London board of visitors, and his mathe- 
matical questions stimulated the minds of the pupils, his genial 
stories swayed their minds in the direction of courtesy, their 
morals he watched, at declamation and graduation exercises he 
was wont to mark each participant. He founded evening schools 
for those who could not be present at the day schools. He had 

* ^* History of New London County, Connecticut." 
258 



HENRY PHILEMON HAVEN. 



259 



sympathy for teachers, and welcomed them as a body once a year 
to his home to meet him and his colleagues. 

In 1852 he was elected Mayor of Norwich, and in that office 
was prompt and efficient in executing plans for the public good. 
He was Presidential Elector in 1872, and the following year his 
name was prominently mentioned by the Republicans as candi- 
date for Governor. 

Mr. Haven was an eminently religious man. Before confessing 
Christ he received a note, in which was the single word, eternity. 
"That mighty thought was with him till he found and confessed 
the everlasting Son of the Father. But doubt succeeded faith. 
He went 10 the superintendent of the Sunday-school and laid bare 
his heart. ' Go to work,' was the counsel received. ' Where ? ' 
' In Waterford,' was the reply. ' A man is coming in to get some 
one to start a Sunday-school there this very day.' In Waterford, 
therefore, he began to conduct that Gilead Sunday-school, which 
was his joy and crown for forty years." 

He w'as a member of the committee for arranging the Interna- 
tional Sabbath Lesson, and won the affection of his associates by 
his devout regard for inspired truth, and his deference to views at 
variance with his own. In 1875 ^e was appointed President of 
the American College and Education Society as the successor of 
Governor Buckingham. He loved to aid worthy young men 
from the forge or farm to the university and the school, and 
thence to the public teaching of the Book of Books. He began 
the day with secret prayer. He could recite whole chapters of 
the Bible by heart. He gave without ostentation, even to the 
third of his income. " Faults he had and lamented. Enemies 
might call him proud, opinionated, arbitrary ; for a leonine tem- 
perament and a commanding personality are not slain by grace." 

Mr. Haven married February 23, 1840, PHizabeth Lucas 
Douglas, of Waterford. They had four children. 



JOSEPH HAWLEY. 

MEMBER OF PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, 1 775.*" 

Joseph Hawley, grandfather of Joseph, was a native of Rox- 
bury, Mass., graduated at Harvard College in 1674 ; went to 
Northampton, became the grammar school teacher; Representa- 
tive to the Legislature, and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. 
" In Mr. Hawley's day, schools recited the catechism once a week, 
usually Saturday afternoon." Mr. Hawley married Lydia, daugh- 
ter of Capt. Samuel Marshall, of Windsor, Conn., by whom he had 
seven children, four sons, and three daughters. 

Joseph Hawley, father of Joseph, was born in 1682, married at 
the age of forty, Rebecca Stoddard, the eleventh child of the 
second minister of Northampton. 

Joseph Hawley, subject of this sketch, was born in Northamp- 
ton, Mass., in 1724, died there May 10, 1788. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1742, studied Theology and 
officiated as Chaplain in the provincial army. Turning his atten- 
tion to the law, he entered upon an extensive practice, first in 
Hampshire County, and after the division in both Hampshire and 
Berkshire. He was also an able politician, and advocate of 
American liberty. 

" From 1764 to 1776, he held a seat in the Legislature and was 
a member of all the important Committees of the time; in 1770 
was chairman of the Committee on Correspondence ; and was a 
member of the Provincial Congress in 1775." 

He was an opposer of Jonathan Edwards and effected his 
removal from Northampton, but afterwards became his warm 



* Clark's " Northampton Antiquities ; " Lanman ; " Works of Jonathan 
Edwards," London edition. 

260 



lOSEPH II A J VLE Y. 26 1 

advocate, and in 1760 wrote a remarkable letter, deploring the 
I^art he had originally taken against him. 

The letter referred to by Mr. Lanman, was published first in a 
weekly newspaper in Boston, May 9, 1760, and inserted in the 
" Works of Jonathan Edwards," London edition, vol. i, p. 167. 

Mr. Hawley writes as follows : 

" Northampton, May 9, 1760. 
" To the Rev. Mr. IIali., of Sutton. 

Rkv. Sir : 

" I have often wished that every member of the two ecclesiastical councils, 
that formerly sat in Northampton, between our former most worthy and 
revered pastor, Mr. Jonathan Edwards, and the church here, whereof you 
were a member ; I say, sir, I have often wished every one of them truly knew 
my real sense of my own conduct in that affair, that the one and the other of 
tiie said councils are privy to. . . . Although it does not become me to pro- 
nounce decisively, on a point so disputable as was then in dispute ; yet I beg 
leave to say, that I really apprehend, that it is of the highest moment to the 
body of this church, and to me in particular, most solicitously to inquire, 
whether like the Pharisees and lawyers in John the Baptist's time, we did not 
reject the council of God against ourselves, in rejecting Mr. Edwards and his 
doctrine, which was the ground of his dismission. ... I confess, sir, that I 
acted very immodestly and abusively to you, as well as injuriously to the 
church and myself, when with much zeal and unbecoming assurance, I moved 
the council that they would interpose to silence and stop you, in an address 
you were making one morning to the people, wherein you were, if I do not for- 
get, briefly exhorting them to a tender remembrance of the former affection and 
harmony that had long subsisted between them and their revered pastor. . . . 
The most criminal part of my conduct at that time, that I am conscious of, was 
my exhibiting to that council aset of arguments in writing, the drift whereof was 
to prove the reasonableness and necessity of Mr. Edwards' dismission, in case 
no accommodation was then effected with mutual consent ; which writing, by 
clear implication, contained some severe, uncharitable, and if I remember 
right, groundless and slanderous imputations on Mr. Edwards, expressed in 
bitter language. ... As to the church's remonstrance, as it was called, which 
their committee preferred to the last of the said councils ; to all which I was 
consenting, and in the composing whereof I was very active, as also in bringi 
ing the church to their vote upon it .... it was everywhere interlarded with 
unchristian bitterness, sarcastical and unmanly insinuations. . . . Another part 
of my conduct, for which I hereby declare my hearty sorrow, was my obstinate 
opposition to the last council's having any conference with the church, which 
the said council earnestly and repeatedly moved for, and which the church, as 
you knov7 finally denied. I think it discovered a great deal of pride and vain 
sufficiency in the church, and showed them to be very opinionative, especially 
the chief sticklers, one of whom I was ; and think it was running a most 



262 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. ' 

presumptuous risk, and acting the part of proud scorners, for us to refuse hear- 
ing, and candidly and seriously considering what that council could say or 
oppose to us ; among whom, there were divers justly in great reputation for 
grace and wisdom. . . . 

" For all these my great sins, therefore, in the first place, I humbly and most 
earnestly ask forgiveness of God ; in the next place of the relatives and near 
friends of Mr. Edwards. I also ask the forgiveness of all those who were 
called Mr. Edwards' adherents ; and of all the members of the ecclesiastical 
councils above mentioned ; and lastly, of all Christian people, who have had 
any knowledge of these matters. . . . 

" I beg leave to subscribe myself, sir 

Your real, though very unworthy friend and obedient servant, 

"Joseph Hawley." 

In 1762, two years after this confession, Mr. Hawley was 
chosen deacon of the church at Northampton, and he served in 
this capacity twenty-six years. 

The homebtead, occupied by Mr. Hawley, continued in the fam- 
ily through three generations, almost one hundred and thirty 
years. His wife, Mercy Hawley, survived him on the place eigh- 
teen years. To Joseph Clarke, whom he had adopted and educated 
he made large bequests, expressing the hope that he would 
" prove worthy, honest, prudent, and a public-spirited man, and 
do good therewith in his day." He gave by will to Rev. John 
Hooker his folio volumes of Dr. Owen's works, and two folio 
volumes of Howe's works. 



JOHN HAYNES. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT COLONY, 1 639.* 

Mr. Haynes was born in Essex County, England, died March 
I, 1654. 

He left an elegant country seat, named Copford Hall, and in 
1632 came into New England with Rev. Mr. Hooker, and settled 
with him at Cambridge. In 1635 he served as Governor of 
Massachusetts. 

In 1636 he removed to Connecticut, and was one of the five, 
who in 1638 drew up a written Constitution for the Colony. It 
was the first paper of the kind framed in America, and embodied 
the main points of subsequent State Constitutions, and of the 
Federal Constitution. The preamble and close of this instrument 
are as follows : 

" Forasmuch as it hath pleased the Almighty God, by'the wise 
disposition of his divine providence, so to order and dispose of 
things, that we, the inhabitants and residents of Windsor, Hart- 
ford, and Wethersfield, are now cohabiting, and dwelling in and 
upon the river of Connecticut, and the lands thereunto adjoining, 
and well knowing when a people are gathered together, the Word 
of God requires, that to maintain the peace and union of such a 
people, there should be an orderly and decent government estab- 
lished according to God, to order and dispose of the affairs of the 
people at all seasons, as occasion shall require ; do therefore 
associate and conjoin ourselves to be as one public State or 
Commonwealth ; and do for ourselves and our successors, and 
such as shall be adjoined to us at any time hereafter, enter into 
combination and confederation together, to maintain and preserve 

* Drake; Barber's "Connecticut Historical Collections"; Trumbull's "His- 
tory of Connecticut " ; Mather's " Magnalia." 

263 



264 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

the liberty and purity of the gospel of our Lord Jesus, which we 
now profess, as also the discipline of the churches, which, accord- 
ing to the truth of the said gospel, is now practiced amongst us ; 
as also in our civil affairs to be. guided and governed according to 
such laws, rules, orders, and decrees, as shall be made, ordered 
and decreed, as foUoweth : . . . . Forasmuch as the free fruition 
of such liberties, immunities, privileges, as humanity, civility and 
Christianity call for, .... hath ever been and ever will be the 
tranquillity and stability of Churches and Commonwealths ; and 
the denial or deprival thereof, the disturbance, if not ruin of both : 
12. // is thereof ordered by this Court and authority thereof, that no 
man's life shall be taken away; no man's honor or good name 
shall be stained ; no man's person shall be arrested, restrained, 
banished, dismembered, nor any way punished ; no man shall be 
deprived of his wife or children ; no man's goods or estate shall 
be taken away from him nor any ways endamaged, under color of 
law, or countenance of authority ; unless it be by the virtue or 
equity of some express law of the country warranting the same, 
established by a General Court, and sufficiently published, or in 
case of the defect of a law in any particular case, by the Word of 
God." 

Agreeable to the Constitution, the freemen convened at Hart- 
ford on the second Thursday in April, 1639, and elected their 
officers for the year ensuing, John Haynes, Esq., was chosen 
Governor; Roger Ludlow, George Wyllys, Edward Hopkins, 
Thomas Welles, John Webster, and William Phelps, Esquires, 
were chosen Magistrates. Mr. Ludlow, the first of the six mag- 
istrates, was Deputy- Governor. Mr. Hopkins was chosen Secre- 
tary, and Mr. Welles, Treasurer. 

Mr. Haynes entered upon his duties as first Governor of the 
Colony, and was elected to the office every alternate year, which 
was as often as the Constitution permitted, till his death. 

An ancient manuscript, according to Cotton Mather, refers 
thus to Mr. Haynes. " To him is New England many ways 
beholden. Had he done no more but stilled a storm of dissen- 
sion which broke forth in the beginning of this government, he had 
done enough to endear our hearts unto him, and account that 
day happy when he took the reins of government into his hands." 



JOHN HA YNES. 265 

Said Rev. John Triinibull of Mr. Haynes : " He appeared to be 
a man of eminent piety, strict morals, and sound judgment. 
He paid attention to family government, instruction and relig- 
ion." 

He was twice married, and had eight children, five sons and 
three daughters. His son, Joseph, was ordained pastor of the 
First Church in Hartford. 



EBENEZER HAZARD. 

POSTMASTER-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, 1782-1789.* 

Samuel Hazard, father of Ebenezer, was an Elder in the Wall 
Street Presbyterian Church, New York ; removed to Philadelphia, 
and was a merchant in that city; originated a notable scheme for 
the moral and spiritual good of the Indians ; married Catharine, 
daughter of Mathew Clarkson and Cornelia De Peyster, of New 
York. 

Ebenezer Hazard was born in Philadelphia, Penn,, January 15, 
1744; died there June 13, 1817. 

He was a student of Rev, Dr. Finley, the distinguished preacher 
and instructor, at Nottingham Academy, Maryland, and graduated 
at Princeton College in 1762. 

He was skilled in the languages, and corresponded with Dr. 
Benjamin Rush in Latin, and when Charles Thompson was making 
his translation of the New Testament, he regularly sent the manu- 
script to Mr. Hazard for review. 

Entering upon business, the publishing firm of Noel & Hazard 
was established in the city of New York, 

In 1774, he became Postmaster of the city of New York, and in 
1782 he became Postmaster-General of the United States, -at a 
salary of twelve hundred dollars, and held the office until the 
adoption of the Constitution in 1789, 

The following are selections from his revolutionary correspond- 
ence. To General Gates he writes from New York, July 5, 1776 : 

" Since my last, the British fleet has arrived. About seventy sail are within 
the Narrows, at the watering place, under Staten Island shore. They have 

" Magazine of American History," 1885 ; Force's " American Archives " ; 
Sprague's " Annals of American Pulpit " ; Hazard's " Historical Collections." 

266 



EBENEZER HAZARD. 26/ 

landed their men, and taken possession of Staten Island, cattle and Tories, and 
that I hope will be all they will do. ... It was last night reported at the 
coffee house (and I believe the report may be depended on), that the Congress 
had determined on a Declaration of Independence, and that the vote was unan- 
imous, except New York, whose Delegate, not being instructed, could not 
vote." 

To the same, July ii, 1776. 

" My only design at present is to introduce to you my very particular friend, 
the Rev. William Tcnnent, of Greenfield, in Connecticut. lie was solicited by 
(leneral Watcrhury to accept the Chaplaincy of a regiment, and is now on his 
way to Crown Point for that purpose. Since the commencement of the pres- 
ent dispute, he has uniformly supported the American side. For further par- 
ticulars, I must refer you to a future acquaintance with him, which will give 
you a more just idea of him than anything dictated by the partiality of friendship, 

" Yours affectionately, 

" Ebenezek Hazard." 

To the same, July 12, 1776. 

" Enclosed is the Congress's Declaration of Independence. It has been 
proclaimed in the State House at Philadelphia, and in the Army here, and 
received, as might.be expected, with great joy. The King's arms have been 
burned in Philadelphia, and his statue has been pulled down to make musket 
ball of, so that his troops will probably have melted Majesty fired at them .... 
Have only time to add, that I am 

" Yours, 

" Ebenezer Hazard." 

During his residence in New York, Mr. Hazard was a Trustee 
of the Wall Street Presbyterian Church, subsequently a Trus- 
tee and Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. 

To his former instructor, Rev. Samuel Finley, who became 
President of Princeton College, he pays the following tribute : 
" He was remarkable for sweetness of temper, and politeness of 
behavior. He was given to hospitality ; charitable without osten- 
tation ; exemplary in the discharge of all relative duties, and in 
all things showing himself a pattern of good works. As a divine 
he was a Calvinist in sentiment. His sermons were not hasty 
productions, but filled with good sense and well digested senti- 
ment, expressed in language pleasing to men of science, yet per- 
fectly intelligible by the illiterate. They were calculated to 



268 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

inform the ignorant, to alarm the careless and secure, and to 
edify and comfort the faithful." 

Mr. Hazard published his " Historical Collections," two vol- 
umes, in i792-'94. In his preface he says: "It was the com- 
piler's original intention to visit each State in the Union, and 
remain there a sufhcient time to form a complete collection of 
such materials for its history, as had escaped the ravages of time 
and accident. His design was honored with the approbation and 
patronage of Congress, whose recommendation of it gained him 
immediate access to the archives of New Hampshire and Massa- 
chusetts, including those of the Colony of Plymouth and the Prov- 
ince of Maine ; but before he could proceed further, an appoint- 
ment as Postmaster-General of the United States obliged him to 
reside at the seat of Federal Government, and prevented his con- 
tinuing the work in the method he at first proposed." He thus 
closes the preface to the second volume : " While .... the 
philanthropist will lament that bigotry should anywhere enslave 
the human mind, he will with pleasure recollect that the liberal 
Constitutions of the United States of America afford an oppor- 
tunity of escaping from its chains ; and the citizens of these States 
will glory in the example of Catholicism which their country first 
dared to exhibit to the world, and will rejoice in the prospect of 
giving an asylum to millions of the oppressed." This work has 
been largely consulted by historians, is now scarce except in the 
older libraries, and highly valued. 

Mr, Hazard married, in 1789, Abigail Arthur. His son, Samuel, 
published " Annals of Pennsylvania." His daughter married 
Ebenezer Rockwood, of Boston. 



JOHN HILL. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1867-1873, 1881-1883.* 

John Hill was born at Catskill, N. Y., June lo, 1821 ; died at 
Boonton, N. J., July 24, 1884. 

He was educated at a private school, and at an early age was 
given a position in the bank, of which his father was cashier. In 
1845 ^^ became paymaster of the New Jersey Iron Company at 
Boonton, N. J., and subsequently devoted himself to mercantile 
pursuits. 

He was three times a member of the State Legislature; was a 
Representative in Congress from 1867 till 1873, again from 188 1 
till 1883. To his effort was due the abolishing of the franking 
privilege, the introduction of the postal card, and the reduction of 
letter postage from three cents to two cents per half ounce. He 
was called by his associates " Honest John Hill." 

At an early age he became a member of the Presbyterian 
Church at Catskill ; on removal connected himself by letter with 
the Presbyterian Church at Boonton, was early chosen an Elder, 
and for thirty years was Sunday School superintendent. When 
as a lad at Catskill he gave his heart to Christ, he entered at once 
upon service. For several years it was his habit on the Sabbath, 
after morning worship, to leave his home at one o'clock and occupy 
the afternoon and evening in benevolent work. A revival of relig- 
ion followed his efforts. 

He was married in 1853 to Phoebe Carman of White Plains, 
N. Y. 

* Boonton Weekly Bulletin SupplemetU ; New York Observer. 



269 



BENJAMIN HARVEY HILL. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1877-1883.* 

Benjamin Harvey Hill was born in Jasper County, Georgia, 
September 14, 1823 ; died at Atlanta, August 16, 1882. 

He graduated at the University of Georgia in 1844, the fol- 
lowing year was admitted to the Bar, and commenced practice at 
La Grange. 

In 185 1 he was elected to the Legislature of Georgia; was 
again elected in 1859, having accepted the nomination, that he 
might be in a position to oppose the secession movement that he 
prophesied would arise if a Republican President was elected. 
When the ordinance of secession was introduced in the State Con- 
vention of 1861, of which he was a member, he opposed it ; but 
after the ordinance had passed he decided to go with his State. 
At the opening of the war he was elected to the Confederate 
Provisional Congress which met at Montgomery, Ala. 

After the conflict between North and South had closed he was 
elected, in 1875, a Representative in Congress, to take the place of 
Mr. McMillan, deceased; in 1876 was re-elected; and in 1877 
was elected a Senator in Congress for the term of six years. 

Mr. Hill was connected with his two sons in the law business, 
was one of the best lawyers in Georgia, and an impressive orator. 
He was a broad, stout man, with a benevolent and intellectual 
face. For a time after the war he lived in Athens, and finally 
removed to a pleasant home in Atlanta. 

The malady which brought his life to a close was cancer of the 
tongue. In July, 188 1, he submitted to an operation, but without 
benefit. He went to the Hot Springs of Arkansas, and while 
here received from Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts, the following 

* Appleton ; New York Tribune ; Congregationalist ; Evangelist. 
270 



BENJAMIN HAR VE Y HILL. 2/ 1 

letter of sympathy, signed by all the United States Senators then 
at the capital : 

"We desire to assure you of our affectionate regard, of our 
sympathy with you in your severe trial, and our admiration for the 
courage and patience with which you have encountered it." 

A writer, describing his last illness, says : " He sits the whole 
day the object of the tender care of his family, reading papers 
and devotional works, writing down his passing impressions, 
inditing letters and communicating with those around him. He is 
perfectly cheerful under his sufferings, and says these are the hap- 
piest days of his life. He says the Lord has given him a good 
long notice, and he is fully prepared for the summons when it 
comes." Says another writer : " He received the blessed Gospel 
before the end came, or was even definitely threatened, as a little 
child. General Evans, visiting him, asked him to indicate some 
Scripture he would like to have read. ' Read me Paul's letter to 
the Corinthians on the Resurrection,' said Mr. Hill. Mr. Evans 
read the entire chapter. Then Mr. Hill wrote : * If a grain of corn 
will die, and then rise again in so much beauty, why may not I die 
and then rise again in infinite beauty and life? ' " 

A monument has been erected to his memory at Atlanta — a life 
size statue of white marble, placed at the junction of two of the 
finest streets of the city. 



SAMUEL HOLTEN. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1778-1787.* 

Samuel Holten was born in what is now Danvers, Mass., 
June 9, 1738, died January 2, 1816. 

Being an only son, his father intended to give him a collegiate 
education, but a dangerous illness in his youth enfeebled his con- 
stitution. Health being in a measure restored, he turned his 
attention to the study of medicine. Before he had arrived at the 
age of eighteen, the physician under whose direction he studied, 
pronounced him qualified for the practice both of physic and 
surgery. In his nineteenth year he commenced practice in Glou- 
cester, but in less than two j'ears, at the solicitation of his father 
and friends, he returned to his native place and there practiced 
as his public engagements would permit, for sixteen years. 

He served eight years as Representative in the Massachusetts 
General Court, five years as Senator, twelve years as member of 
the Council, was a Representative in the Old Congress from 1778 
to 1787, officiating at one time as its President, and was a Repre- 
sentative in Congress under the Federal Constitution from 1793 
to 1795. 

" Mr. Holten affected no parade of living, but chose a truly 
republican style. He was the poor man's friend, and his hand 
was open to the relief of misery and indigence." 

" Blessed with pious parental instructions, his mind became 
serious at an early age. He was not ashamed of a crucified 
Saviour. The sacred Scriptures he searched for himself, and did 
not hesitate to declare that the distinguishing doctrines of grace 

* Lanman's " Biographical Annals " ; " Discourse," by Rev. Benjamin Wads- 
worth. 

272 



SAMUEL IIOLTEN. 273 

revealed in the Gospel, met the approbation of his heart. The 
cause and interests of religion he ever patronized, seeking the 
peace and prosperity of the Ciuirch as faithfully as of the State. 
He was an exemplary member of the Church in Danvers more 
than fifty-six years." 



EDWARD HOPKINS. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1640, 1642, 1644, 1646, 1648, 1650, 

1652.* 

Edward Hopkins was a prominent merchant of London, and 
came to Boston in company with Rev. John Davenport, in the 
summer of 1637. 

Removing to Connecticut, he was chosen a Magistrate in 1639, 
and Governor of the State every alternate year from 1640 to 
1654. 

He went to England on the occasion of his brother's death, 
who was holding the appointment of warden of the English fleet. 
He expected to return to New England, but accepted the position 
of warden in the room of his brother, and at length became mem- 
ber of Parliament. 

" While he governed others by the laws of God, he did himself 
yield a profound subjection unto those laws. It was his manner 
to rise early, even before day, and enjoy the devotions of his 
closet; after which he spent a considerable time in reading, and 
opening, and applying the Word of God unto his family, and then 
praying with them. In his neighborhood, he would kindly visit 
the meetings that the religious neighbors privately kept." 

His charity was extensive, and he dispensed to the poor with 
his own hands. He bequeathed one thousand pounds of his 
New England estate to trustees in Connecticut for the support of 
grammar schools in New Haven and Hartford. 

* Trumbull's " History of Connecticut " ; Mather's " Magnalia " ; Two Hun- 
dredth Anniversary of the Hopkins Grammar School, Appendix. 



274 



DANIEL HOPKINS. 

MEMBER OF THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, 1775.* 

John Hopkins, early ancestor of Daniel, settled in Cambridge, 
Mass., in 1634, and removed to Hartford, Conn., in 1636. 

Daniel Hopkins, a descendant in the fourth generation from 
John, and son of Timothy and Mary Hopkins, was born in 
Waterbury, Conn., October 16, 1734; died in Salem, Mass., De- 
cember 14, 18 1 4. 

When he was fourteen years of age, his father died, and the 
care of his education devolved on his eldest brother. Dr. Samuel 
Hopkins, then a settled minister in Great Barrington, Mass., 
afterwards a pastor at Newport, R. I. " He early devoted himself 
to the service of Christ by a public profession of his faith." 

He entered Yale College at the age of twenty and graduated 
with the highest honor in 1758. Soon after graduating he was 
licensed to preach, having studied Theology with his brother 
Samuel, with whom also he prepared for College. He accepted 
the charge of a pulpit in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but his health 
soon failed, and for eight years he devoted himself to manual 
labor. 

In 1766, he received an invitation to preach to the Third 
Congregational Church and Society in Salem, Mass., then vacant 
by the death of the Rev. John Huntington. The doctrines he 
preached, and his direct, and pungent manner, procured for him 
warm friends and bitter enemies. Such was the opposition awak- 
ened against him, that a committee, consisting of influential men, 
wailed upon him at his residence, and made a formal request that, 
for the peace of the community, he would leave the town. 

♦ Sprague's " Annals of the American Pulpit," v. i ; " Panoplist," v. 12. 

275 



276 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

With characteristic shrewdness, he closed his eyes, smoothed 
down his face, and mildly said — " Gentlemen, I smoke my own 
tobacco." 

He made Salem his home for twelve years, before holding any 
pastoral charge, and established the first school ever instituted in 
Salem for the exclusive instruction of young ladies. 

In 1775, when the Revolutionary war broke out, and the situa- 
tion of the country required the wisest councils and best measures, 
Mr. Hopkins was elected a member of the Provincial Congress. 
In 1778, he was elected a member of the Council of the Conven- 
tional Government. In both these offices, he served his country 
with great fidelity and efficiency, as well as with an enlightened 
and ardent patriotism. 

On the i8th of November, 1778, Mr. Hopkins was ordained pas- 
tor of the Third Congregational Church of Salem, and continued 
the relation until 1804, when a colleague was appointed. Though 
never robust, he almost invariably preached three times on the 
Sabbath. The children knew him but to love him. He was 
accustomed to meet them once a month, to hear them repeat the 
Assembly's Shorter Catechism, which he made instructive by his 
familiar and lively illustrations. In the cause of Home Missions 
he was a pioneer, and took an active part in forming the Massa- 
chusetts Missionary Society. 

Mr. Hopkins was eminent for self-government, humility, for- 
giveness of injuries, patience under trials, and a quiet, peaceable, 
affectionate spirit. 

He understood human nature, had a large acquaintance with 
men and things, and was thereby a wise and sagacious coun- 
sellor. 

He loved secret prayer. According to his own testimony, he 
had maintained the practice of daily secret devotion from his 
youth. " In his last sickness, he often spoke in the strongest 
terms of gratitude and admiration of the grace of God, and the 
precious blood of Christ, in which he placed all his hope. His 
heart at times seemed full to overflowing, in view of the love and 
glory of the Redeemer, and in anticipation of the blessedness ol 
heaven." 

Mr. Hopkins was married in 1771, to Susanna, daughter of 



DANIEL HOPKINS. 2/ 



John Saunders, a merchant of Salem. They had six children, — 
four sons and two daughters. 

He published a *' Sermon on the death of Washington," 1800 ; 
and a sermon at the Dedication of the New South Meeting House 
in Salem, 1805. A volume of his works, with Memoir by Pro- 
fessor Park, was published in 1853. 



SAMUEL HUBBARD. 

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SUPREME COURT MASSACHUSETTS, 1842.* 

Samuel Hubbard, a descendant of the historian, William Hub- 
bard, and youngest child of William Hubbard and Johanna Per- 
kins, was born in Boston, June 2, 1785 ; died there December 24, 

1847. 

When twelve years old he went to Plainfield, Conn., and there 
prepared for college under the care of Calvin Goddard, Gradu- 
ating at Yale in 1802, he studied law, first with Judge Charles 
Chauncey, of New Haven, afterwards with Charles Jackson, of 
Boston, and was admitted to the Bar in 1806, 

In the summer of that year he made a tour with a friend who 
had studied in the same office with himself, through the district of 
Maine. While on this journey he wrote to a friend under date, 
Aug. 24, 1806, as follows : "I took Burns with me on my journey, 
and read him with great pleasure while sailing along the banks of 

the Penobscot There is a mellowness and accuracy in 

his descriptions, which I look for in vain among other poets, 
with perhaps the exception of Thomson." 

In September, 1806, he began the practice of law in Biddeford, 
and at th« outset of his career he said : " I determined to be so 
accurate in all my statements, that my word should be as good as 
my oath." Early in 1811, he returned to Boston, and formed a 
connection with his instructor, which continued until the appoint- 
ment of Mr. Jackson to the Bench of the Supreme Court in 
1813. 

Mr. Hubbard served for eight sessions in the State Legislature ; 



* New England Historic Society, " Memorial Biographies " j Discourse by 
Rev. Silas Aiken, 1848 ; Boston Recorder. 

278 



SAMUEL HUBBARD. 279 

and in 1842 was appointed by Governor Davis, to succeed Judge 
Putnam as one of the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of 
Massachusetts. 

Mr. Hubbard's mother and grandparents were Episcopalians, 
and in youth he attended Trinity Church, Boston. 

He united with the Park Street Congregational Church on pro- 
fession of faith, March 4, 182 1. The Friday preceding, he 
observed privately as a season of fasting and prayer, and among his 
papers one was found entitled, " Dedication of myself to God," 
written and signed at the close of that day. He was a friend of 
revivals, and was ready to promote them by going forth with his 
brethren, two by two, into the families of the church and congre- 
gation. Labors of this kind he did not confine to seasons of spe 
cial effort. When his public duties permitted, he engaged in tract 
distribution, and often attended " neighborhood meetings." In 
the intercourse of business, he watched the fit time to speak to 
individuals of their spiritual concerns, not excepting men in his 
own profession. For 'a considerable time, he maintained a social 
religious meeting at his own house, on Saturday evenings, to 
which members of different denominations in the city, and men 
connected with the Legislature were invited. 

After his appointment to the office of Associate Justice, he 
wrote down as follows : " In the fear of my God and Saviour, I 
undertake the duties of this office. I cast myself on Him, I look 
to Him for wisdom and strength, I pray Him to give me skill to 
discern, and integrity to judge right." 

He labored in the Sunday School. The young men who suc- 
cessively enjoyed his instruction, during sixteen years, amounted 
to the number of 194 regular members of the class. Frequently 
he would ask one and another to tarry after the lesson of the Sab- 
bath. Many of them he had the happiness of guiding to the 
Saviour. For a time he was a Sabbath School teacher in the 
State prison at Charlestown. On one occasion, near the close of 
the exercises, the Chaplain said : " We have five minutes to 
spare. Mr. Hubbard, will you please to make a few remarks ? " 
He arose, and looking at the prisoners, said : " I am told that we 
have five minutes to spare. Much may be done in five minutes. 
In five minutes Judas betrayed his Master, and went to his own 



28o AMERICAN CHRISTIAiV RULERS. 

place. In five minutes the thief on the Cross, repented, and went 
with the Saviour to Paradise. No doubt many of those before me 
did that act in five minutes, which brought them to this place. 
In five minutes you may repent and go to Paradise — or will you 
imitate Judas, and go to the place where he is ? My five min- 
utes have expired." 

Governor Briggs, in presence of the Legislature, remarked of 
Mr. Hubbard, " He was the model of a Christian judge, a 
scholar, and a gentleman. Whoever knew him in society loved 
him. In the church he was a * brother beloved.' " 

He was twice married, and had eleven children. 



JEDEDIAM HUNTINGTON. 

COLLECTOR UNITED STATES REVENUE, NEW LONDON, 1789-1815.* 

Jabez Huntington, father of Jedediah, was born in Norwich, 
Conn., in 1719; graduated at Yale College in 1741, and settled in 
his native town as a merchant and importer. He was chosen a 
member of the Colonial Assembly in 1750, was Speaker of the 
House for several years, and subsequently a member of the Coun- 
cil. In the war of the Revolution he was a member of the Council 
of Safety, and Major-General of militia. 

Jedediah Huntington was born in Norwich, August 15, 1743 ; 
died September 25, 1818. 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1763, delivering the first 
English oration given on Commencement Day at that College ; 
entered upon commercial pursuits in his native town, and at the 
commencement of the American Revolution joined the army. 

He was Colonel of a Continental regiment in 1775, and was 
commissioned by Congress Brigadier-General in 1777, holding the 
office during the war with honor and usefulness. 

He was Treasurer of the State of Connecticut, and Delegate to 
the State Convention in which the Constitution of the United 
States was adopted. When the general government went into 
operation, he was appointed Collector of the Revenue at the port 
of New London, and held the office for twenty-six years. 

" He made a public profession of religion at the age of twenty- 
three. Receiving the great doctrines of the Gospel with humility, 
he lived most remarkably under their influence. He was an 
officer and pillar of the church, and a member of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions from its first organi- 

* HoUister's " History of Connecticut," vol. 2, Appendix ; Allen ; " Pano- 
plist," 1819. 

28 1 



282 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

zation. The stream of his munificence was continually flowing. 
To the poor widow, the indigent student, the societies for foreign 
and domestic missions, the societies for distributing Bibles and 
tracts, he gave with equal cheerfulness, and with a generosity 
which has never been equalled in the State of Connecticut. 
Though in easy circumstances he would not be called rich in any 
of our large towns." 

His manners were gentle, retiring and amiable. In conversa- 
tion he was an example of prudence. He appeared to forget 
himself, and to be actuated by large and disinterested motives. 

His first wife, Failh, was a daughter of Governor Trumbull ; 
his second wife was a sister of Bishop Moore, of Virginia. His 
son Jabez graduated at Yale College in 1784; was an officer in 
the church ; was president of the Norwich Bank, holding connec- 
tion with this institution for the period of fifty years. Mrs. Sarah 
L. Smith, the missionary, was his daughter. 



JABEZ WILLIAMS HUNTINGTON. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1840-1847.* 

Jabez Williams Huntington, son of Zachariah Huntington, 
was born in Norwich, Conn., November 8, 1788 ; died there 
November i, 1847, 

He graduated at Yale College in 1806, pursued his professional 
studies at the law school in Litchlield, Conn., and there com- 
menced practice. 

In 1828, he was elected to the Slate Legislature ; in 1829, was 
a Representative in Congress, holding the office by re-elections 
until 1834. Having received in May, 1834, the appointment of 
Associate Judge in the Supreme Court of Errors, he resigned his 
seat in Congress. In October, 1834, he removed from Litchfield 
to Norwich. In 1840, he was appointed a Senator in Congress, 
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Thaddeus Belts ; 
was re-elected to the Senate in 1845. 

Rev. Mr. Arms has thus given testimony to the character of Mr 
Huntington : 

" He made a profession of religion, just as he was entering 
upon public life, and his subsequent course evinced the sincerity 
of the vows which he then assumed. His religion was more a 
matter of principle than an impulse of feeling. Nor was he desti- 
tute of deep emotion, as those can testify who have listened to his 
devotions in the family and in the social circle. After occupy- 
ing and honorably filling his seat in the Senate of the United 
States, on his return to his native village, he delighted to occupy 
a humble seat in the place consecrated to social prayer. Those 
who have been accustomed to meet us on such occasions, will not 
soon forget the deep interest which he always manifested, or the 

* " Discourse," by Rev. ^liram P. Arms ; Norwich Courier. 
283 



284 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

appropriateness and comprehensiveness of the prayers which he 
offered. He had great reverence for the Sabbath. He observed 
it with all the strictness with which it was wont to be regarded, in 
New England's palmiest days. Whether at home or abroad, these 
sacred hours he devoted to the high purpose for which God gave 
them. 

" All who knew Mr. Huntington, however widely they differed 
from him on questions of political economy, could unite in testify- 
ing that he was an honest man. He would never yield what he 
believed to be just and right, to win the favor of any man, or set 
of men. Not hasty in forming an opinion, when, from honest con- 
viction, he had assumed a position, he stood firm, even if he stood 
alone." 




^a^n. ' JZ-ory^^J^ ^ 



SAMUEL HUNTINGTON. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1786-1796.* 

Nathaniel Huntington, father of Samuel, resided in Wind- 
ham, Conn., "a plain, but worthy farmer," The mother " was a 
pious, discreet woman, and endued with more than an ordinary- 
share of mental vigor." They had a large family of children- and 
three sons devoted themselves to the Gospel ministry. 
' Samuel Huntington was born in Windham, July 2, 1732 ; died in 
Norwich, January 5, 1796. 

He did not share in the educational advantages which were 
afforded to his brothers, but, "being designed for a mechanic, 
was apprenticed to a cooper and served out his time," His leis- 
ure from manual labor he gave to reading and study. 

He began the study of law at the age of twenty-two, opened an 
office in his native town, and in 1760 removed to Norwich. 

In the year 1764 he was elected to the General Assembly of the 
State; in 1765 was appointed King's Attorney; in 1775 was 
elected a Delegate to the Continental Congress, and was Presi- 
dent of that body in 1779; was a Signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, and the Articles of Confederation ; and was Gov- 
ernor of Connecticut from 1786 to 1796, 

Before the Revolutionary War, Mr. Huntington generally had 
two or three law students in his family, and his house was from 
time to time open in the evening to the young of the neighbor- 
hood. "After the social chat and merry game of the parlor, they 
would frequently repair to the kitchen for a dance. These pas- 
times seldom lasted beyond nine o'clock. According to the good 

* " Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence," by Goodrich ; 
Lanman ; "History of Norwich," by Miss F. M. Caulkins ; "Discourse," by 
Rev. Joseph Strong ; "Dwight's Travels." 

285 



286 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

old custom of Norwich, the ringing of the bell at that hour, broke 
up all meetings, dispersed all parties, and sent all visitors quietly 
to their homes and their beds." 

Mr. Huntington was of medium size, with penetrating eye ; dig- 
nified in his manners even to formality ; reserved in popular inter- 
course, but in the domestic circle, communicative. 

" He was eminently a religious man. Amid feeling declarations 
of personal unworthiness, he avowed unwavering trust in God 
through his Son. He was as ready to officiate at a conference 
meeting, or to make a prayer and read the Scriptures when called 
upon in a public assembly, or to breathe counsel and consolation 
by the bedside of the dying, as to plead before a Judge, or to pre- 
side in Congress." 

Says Timothy Dwight: "With this gentleman [Mr. Hunting- 
ton] I was intimately acquainted ; and revere his memory, for his 
candor, moderation, wisdom, integrity, patriotism and piety." 

He married, when in his thirtieth year, a daughter of Rev. 
Ebenezer Devotion, of Windham ; " a lady without any preten- 
sions to style or fashion, but amiable and discreet. It was long 
remembered, that in clean muslin apron, and nicely starched cap, 
she would take her knitting and go out by two o'clock in the after- 
noon to take tea unceremoniously with a neighbor." They had no 
children, but adopted two of the children of a brother, Rev. 
Joseph Huntington ; one of whom afterwards became Governor of 
Ohio, the other, the wife of Rev. Dr, Griffin, President of 
Williams College^ Mrs. Huntington died June 4, 1794, in the 
fifty-sixth year of her age. Her biographer says : " Among other 
excellent parts of Christian character, her benefactions to the 
poor ought not to be forgotten. The number is not small of 
those, who on such grounds, ' rise up and call her blessed.' " 



ANDREW JACKSON. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1829-1837.* 

Hugh Jackson, grandfather of Andrew, resided in Ireland, and 
"followed the business of a draper." 

Andrew Jackson, the elder, youngest son of Hugh, with his wife 
and two sons, emigrated from the north of Ireland in 1765, and 
landed at Charleston, South Carolina. From Charleston they 
penetrated the interior, and built their hut on a branch of the 
Catawba River. Mr. Jackson and his wife were Presbyterians, 
and in their Ireland home they were weavers of linen and in hum- 
ble circumstances. 

Andrew Jackson, third son of Andrew, was born in North 
Carolina, March 15, 1767; died at his home near Nashville, 
Tenn., June 8, 1845. 

When fourteen years of age he entered the Revolutionary 
Army, and at the age of twenty-one established himself as a law- 
yer in Western North Carolina. When that part of the country 
became a territory in 1790, President Washington appointed him 
Attorney of the United States for the new district. When the 
territory became the State of Tennessee, he was chosen a Repre- 
sentative to Congress. Serving one term, he became a member 
of the United States Senate, and held the office until 1798. In 
1814 he entered the regular army with the rank of Major-General 
and took command at New Orleans. In 1823, he was again 
elected a Senator in Congress ; in 1828 was elected President of 
the United States ; in 1832 was re-elected by a large and un- 
equaled popular vote. 

Mr. Jackson married in 1794, a Mrs. Robards, the divorced 

* Parton's " Life of Andrew Jackson " ; Lanman ; " Life of Rev. Daniel 
Baker," third edition, 1859; Sprague's "Annals of American Pulpit." 

287 



288 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

wife, according to Mr, Parton, of Captain Robards. He estab- 
lished his home near Nashville, which was named " The Her- 
mitage." His farm was cultivated by slaves. Mrs. Jackson was 
unlearned in the lore of the schools, though not so in that of the 
Woods, the dairy, the kitchen, and the cabin. After dinner, with 
her husband, she smoked the long reed pipe, of the kind used in 
the Southern States. Children only were wanting to complete 
their home, but children were denied them. About the year 1809, 
twins were born to one of Mrs. Jackson's brothers, Mr. Donelson. 
The mother, not in perfect health, relinquished one of the infants, 
when but a few days old, to the home and care of Mrs. Jackson. 
Her husband became fond of the boy, gave him his own name, 
and adopted him, 

Mr. Jackson was impetuous and exacting in temper. In 1804 
he fought a duel with Moses Dickinson, which resulted fatally to 
the latter. Riding along the wilderness road between Nashville 
and Knoxville one day, he was hailed by a couple of strangers, 
who ordered him to get out of his carriage and dance for them. 
Feigning simplicity, he said he could not dance without his 
slippers, and his slippers were in a trunk strapped behind his 
carriage. They told him to get his slippers. He opened his 
trunk, took out a pair of pistols, and advancing before them said : 
" Now, you villains, you shall dance for me. Dance, Dance ! " 
This they did in a lively manner, and the interview was finished 
with a moral lecture from Mr, Jackson. 

" From his mother, from the example of his circle of relatives 
in the Carolinas, from his early attendance at the old log church, 
he had derived a regard for religion and its observances, which in 
the wildest period of his life, was never wholly forgotten by 
him." 

The death of Mrs. Jackson occurred December 22, 1828. To 
the poor she was a benefactor, and her piety went hand in hand 
with her benevolence. From this shock Mr. Jackson never recov- 
ered. In the year 1836, during his second administration at Wash- 
ington, he wrote to a friend : " The chastisement by our Maker, 
we ought to receive as a rebuke from Him, and thank Him for 
the mildness of it, which was to bring to our view, and that it 
may be always before us, that we are mere tenants at will here." 



ANDREW JACKSON. 289 

The means of grace enjoyed by Mr. Jackson while in Washing- 
ton, were favorable to his spiritual quickening. The Rev. Daniel 
Baker, who won success as an Evangelist, and whose ministrations 
were "spiritual, fervent and enforced by a consistent life," occu- 
pied the pulpit of the Second Presbyterian Church. Mr. Jackson 
was an interested pew holder, as the following minutes and corre- 
spondence reveal. 

" Mr. Adams never failed to be in his pew on Sabbath after- 
noon, whatever might be the weather, and was a most attentive 
hearer. Mr. Crawford, the Secretary of the Treasury, and Judge 
Southard, the Secretary of the Navy, each took a pew, and so did 
General Jackson, then, a Senator." 

" Washington, September 30, 1830. 
" James H. Handy, Esq., Washington City. 

"Sir: — I take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your letter of yester- 
day, as it affords me an opportunity of expressing my concurrence with the 
results of the election in the Second Presbyterian Church to supply the place 
of Mr. C. 1 have great confidence in the piety and zeal of Mr. Baker; 
and had I been present when he was put in nomination, would have voted for 
him. 

" Your obedient servant, 

" Andrew Jackson." 

When President of the United States, Mr. Jackson received a 
letter from Rev. Dr. Blackburn, urging his fulfilment of a promise 
to confess Christ before the world. Rev. Dr. Hall, writing remi- 
niscences of Dr. Blackburn, gives the fact with the attending 
circumstances. 

"On one occasion, he [Mr. Blackburn] had a difficulty with 
General Jackson in the presence of the General's Staff and the 
Army, concerning the disposition which should be made of a 
company of soldiers which he himself had raised as volunteers, 
and brought to General Jackson's camp. The General wished to 
consign them to the command of an officer under whom the Doctor 
had given his pledge to the young men they should not be placed. 
Thereupon the difficulty arose. General Jackson was imperious ; 
the Doctor was firm. He carried his point .... Years after- 
ward I called upon General Jackson, when he was President. 
The first person after whom he inquired was Dr. Blackburn. It 
19 



290 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

SO happened that I had a letter from the Doctor and I immedi- 
ately handed it to him. He apologized to me, saying : * Excuse 
me a moment while I run over this letter.' As he read, his 
countenance betrayed emotion. The substance of the letter, as I 
learned afterwards, was to urge upon him the fulfilment of a 
promise to confess Christ before the world." 

After Mr. Jackson's retirement to private life at his home in 
Tennessee, he was still in circumstances to favor religious quick- 
ening. 

A protracted meeting was held in the little church near the 
Hermitage. Rev. Dr. Edgar conducted the exercises, and the 
Jackson family were constant in their attendance. The last day 
of the meeting arrived. General Jackson sat in his accustomed 
seat. The subject of the sermon was the interposition of Provi- 
dence in the affairs of men. The preacher spoke in detail of the 
perils which beset the life of man, and sketched the career of one 
who, in addition to the ordinary dangers of human life, had 
encountered those of the wilderness of war, and of keen political 
conflict; who had escaped the tomahawk of the savage, and the 
aim of the assassin. " How is it," exclaimed the preacher, " that a 
man endowed with reason and gifted with intelligence can pass 
through such scenes as these unharmed and not see the hand of 
God in his deliverance ? " The service ended. General Jackson 
got into his carriage, and was riding homeward, when he was 
overtaken by Dr. Edgar on horseback. He hailed the Doctor, 
and said he wished to speak with him. Both having alighted, the 
General led the clergyman a little way into the grove. " Doctor," 
said the General, "I want you to come home with me to-night." 
"I cannot to-night," was the reply, " I am engaged elsewhere." Dr. 
Edgar said that he had promised to visit that evening a sick lady ; 
" I will be at the Hermitage," said he, " to-morrow morning very 
early." Mr. Jackson went to his home, and retired to his apart- 
ment. " What thoughts passed through his mind as he paced his 
room in the silence of the night, of what sins he repented, and 
what actions of his life he wished he had not done, no one knows, 
or will ever know. As the day was breaking, light seemed to 
dawn upon his troubled soul, and a great peace fell upon him." 



ANDREW JACKSON. 29I 

To Dr. Edgar, who came to him soon after sunrise, he told 
the history of the night, and expressed a desire to be admitted 
into the church, with his daughter. The usual questions respect- 
ing doctrine and experience were satisfactorily answered by Mr. 
Jackson. " General," said Dr. Edgar, " there is one more question 
which it is my duty to ask you. Can you forgive all your en- 
emies ? " The question was evidently unexpected, and the candi- 
date was silent for awhile. " My political enemies," said he, " I can 
freely forgive, but as for those who abused me when I was serving 
my country in the field, that is a different case." The Doctor assured 
him that Christianity forbade the indulgence of enmity, absolutely 
and in all cases. After a considerable pause Mr. Jackson said 
that he thought he could forgive all who had injured him, even 
those who had assailed him for what he had done for his 
country in the field .... 

According to Mr. Parton's history, Mr. Jackson made a public 
profession of his faith in Christ, in presence of a large congrega- 
tion, at the Hermitage Church. 

From this time he spent most of his leisure hours with his 
Bible, commentaries, and hymn-book, which he pronounced in the 
old-fashioned way himc book. Scott's Bible, a commentary of six 
volumes, he read through twice. He read prayers in the presence 
of his family and household servants at night. 

In his last sickness he addressed the family and servants upon 
the subject of religion, and concluded with these words : "My 
dear children, friends, and servants, I hope and trust to meet you 
all in heaven, both white and black, both white and black P^ 



JOHN JAY. 

FIRST CHIEF-JUSTICE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, 1789-1794.* 

Pierre Jay, great-grandfather of John, was a Protestant mer- 
chant at Rochelle, in France. 

Augustus, eldest son of Pierre, was born in 1665, became a mer- 
chant, emigrated to New York, and was married in 1697 to Ann 
Maria, daughter of Balthazar Bayard, whose grandfather was a 
Protestant professor of Theology at Paris, in the reign of Louis 
XIII. , and under the persecuting spirit of popery went with his 
wife and children to Holland. Mr. Jay continued his mercantile 
pursuits in the city of New York to an advanced age. " He was 
remarkable for uniting vivacity and good humor to unaffected 
devotion." 

He left three daughters and one son, 

Peter Jay, son of Augustus, was born 1704, was sent to Bristol, 
England, in his youth, and placed in the counting-house of his 
uncle. After his return to New York, he married in 1728, Mary, 
daughter of Jacobus Van Cortlandt. He pursued the occupation 
of his father and grandfather, declining to participate in the politi- 
cal disputes of the times. Enriched through his mercantile 
operations, and through property obtained by inheritance and 
marriage, when little more than forty years old he retired to a 
farm at Rye, on the shores of Long Island Sound. He had ten 
children. A son and a daughter were attacked in infancy with 
small-pox, and through this disease deprived of sight. 

John Jay, the subject of this sketch, the eighth child of Peter 
and Mary Jay, was born in the city of New York, December 12, 
1745 ; died at Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y., May 17, 1829. 

* " Life and Writings of John Jay," two volumes ; New York, 1833. 

292 



JOII.VJA Y. 293 

" Both his father and mother were actuated by fervent piety ; 
both had warm hearts and cheerful tempers, and both possessed 
under varied and severe trials, a remarkable degree of equanim- 
ity." The subject of this memoir often declared, that " he had 
never in a single instance, heard either of his parents use towards 
the other an angry or unkind word." 

John was sent to a grammar school at New Rochelle, "kept by 
the pastor of the French Church, in whose family he was a 
boarder." He afterwards studied under a private tutor, and in 
1760, when fourteen years of age, entered Kings or Columbia 
College, His articulation at this time was indistinct, and his 
reading was so rapid as to be understood with difficulty. To cor- 
rect this fault, he read aloud to himself, making a full stop after 
every word, and thus acquired complete control of his voice. 

In the last year of his course an offence occurred, and he with 
others was brought before the President. The offenders were 
arranged in line, and questioned. Beginning with the first it was 
asked : " Did you break the table ? "— " No." " Do you know 
who did?" — "No." Passing along the line the same questions 
were asked and received, until Mr. Jay's turn, who was the last 
but one. To the first question he answered " No." To the sec- 
ond — " Yes, sir." " Who was it ? " " I do not choose to tell you, 
sir." The student below gave the same answers. The President 
urged and threatened, but in vain. The students were sus- 
pended. Mr. Jay had signed obedience to the college statutes, 
but claimed that these statutes did not require him to inform 
against his companions. At the expiration of his sentence, he 
returned, was cordially received by the President, and graduated 
with his class in 1764, receiving the Latin Salutatory. 

He entered the law office of Benjamin KissaVn in New York 
City, two weeks after taking his degree. " On commencing his 
clerkship, he asked his father's permission to keep a riding horse. 
' John, why do you want a horse,' was asked. ' That I may have 
the means of visiting you frequently,' was the reply. The horse 
was procured ; and during the three years of his clerkship, he 
made it a rule to pass one day with Jiis parents at Rye every fort- 
night." In 1768, he was admitted to the Bar. His devotion to 
his profession began to affect his health, and his physician 



294 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

advised him to take outdoor exercise. He accordingly took 
lodgings six miles from his office, and for a whole season came to 
town every morning on horseback and returned in the evening, 
thereby establishing his health. 

Mr, Jay was Delegate to the Continental Congress from 
1774 to 1777. Being recalled from Congress in 1776 to aid 
in forming the government of New York, he was not present 
to sign the Declaration of Independence. In 1779 he was 
appointed Minister to Spain, and in 1789 he was appointed by 
Washington Chief-Justice of United States Supreme Court. He 
was appointed Minister to Great Britain, April 19, 1794, and 
effected the treaty which bears his name November 19 of the same 
year. He held the office of Governor of New York from 1795 
to 1801. 

In 1774 Mr. Jay was married to Sarah, youngest daughter of 
William Livingston, who became Governor of New Jersey. 

The following domestic correspondence refers to his departure 
as Minister to England. 

"Philadelphia, April 15, 1794. 
" To Mrs. Jay : 

" .... I expect, my dear Sally, to see you sooner than we expected. There 
is here a serious determination to send me to England, if possible, to avert a 
war. . . . This is not of my seeking ; on the contrary, I regard it as a measure 
not to be desired, but to be submitted to. . . . If the nomination should take 
place, it will be in the course of a few days, and then it will appear in the 
papers ; in the mean time say nothing on the subject. If it should please God 
to make me instrumental to the continuance of peace and in preventing the 
effusion of blood, we shall both have reason to rejoice. Let us repose unlim- 
ited trust in our Maker ; it is our business to adore and to obey. My love to 
the children. 

" With very sincere and tender affection, 

" I am, my dear Sally, ever yours, 

"John Jay." 

Again to Mrs. Jay, while this question is pending, April 19. 

"No appointment ever operated more unpleasantly upon me ; 
but the public considerations which were urged, and the manner in 
which it was pressed, strongly impressed me with a conviction, that 
to refuse it, would be to desert my duty for the sake of my ease, and 
domestic concerns and comforts. The court has unceasingly 



JOHN JAY. 295 

engrossed my time. We did not adjourn until nine last night. 
I feel fatigued in body and mind. But reflections of this kind are 
not to be indulged. ... I shall have rest in time, and for that rest 
I will not cease to prepare." 

He writes to Mrs, Jay on Sunday evening, April 20th. 

" God's will be done; to Him I resign — in Him I confide. Do 
the like. . . . Your indisposition affects me. Resist despondency ; 
hope for the best. Yesterday the Senate approved of the nomi- 
nation by a great majority." 

From Mrs. Jay, New York, April 22, 1794. 

" My Dear Mr. Jay : 

" Yesterday I received your two kinds letters of Saturday and Sunday. I do 
indeed judge of your feelings by my own, and for that reason forbore writing 
while under the first impression of surprise and grief. 

" Your superiority in fortitude, as well as every other virtue, I am aware of; 
yet I know too well your tenderness for your family to doubt the pangs of sep- 
aration. Your own conflicts are sufficient ; they need not be augmented by 
the addition of mine. Never was I more sensible of the absolute ascendency 
you have over my heart. When, almost in despair, I renounced the hope of 
domestic bliss, your image in my breast seemed to upbraid me with adding to 
your trials. That idea alone roused me from my despondency. I resumed the 
charge of my family, and even dare hope that by your example, I shall be 
enabled to look up to that Divine Protector from whom we have indeed expe- 
rienced the most merciful guardianship. 

" The children continue well. They were exceedingly affected when they 
received the tidings, and entreated me to endeavor to dissuade you from accept- 
ing an appointment that subjects us to so painful a separation. 

" Farewell my best beloved. 

" Your wife till death, and after that a ministering spirit." 

In 1801, at the expiration of his duties as Governor of New 
York, Mr. Jay removed to his estate in Bedford, Westchester 
County. This inheritance came down to the family through his 
mother, Mary Van Cortlandt, " being part of what was formerly 
Cortlandt Manor." The post road, on which a mail was then 
carried to and from New York once a week, passed within three 
miles of his house. He was in his fifty-sixth year, and he here 
lived in retirement twenty-eight years, "occupying himself in the 



296 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

care of his farm, in works of benevolence and charity, in the study 
of the Bible, and in advancing the interests of religion." " For 
twenty-seven years he had been engaged in the service of his 
country. To many of his friends his retirement was a matter of 
surprise, and still more his seclusion from the busy world in the 
spot he had chosen for his residence. He had received appoint- 
ment the December previous, to the position of Chief-Justice of 
the United States, but even this opportunity to return to his old 
post could not induce him to alter his plan." 

In the month of May, six weeks before the close of his term 
of office as Governor, he left Albany for his new home, accom- 
panied by one of his daughters, Mrs. Jay's health being feeble. 
In a letter to her, a month after his arrival, he observed : " The 
noise and hurry of carpenters, masons, and laborers, in and about 
the house are inconveniences to be submitted to, but not to be 
chosen by convalescents or invalids. I hope, before the conclu- 
sion of the year we shall all be together again. Except going to 
meeting on Sundays, I have not been even once from home since 
I came here. I find myself engaged by and in the business now 
going on, from morning till night." 

In the course of a few months, Mrs. Jay's health was sufiiciently 
restored to permit her to repair to Bedford. " A large portion of 
her life had been unavoidably passed in the gay and fashionable 
world. Shortly after her arrival at Bedford, in a letter to a friend, 
she remarked : ' I can truly say I never enjoyed so much comfort 
as I do here.' " 

In less than twelve months after her removal to this new home, 
she was taken with a severe illness, which in a few days termin- 
ated fatally. " Mr. Jay, calm and collected, was watching by her 
side when she expired. Immediately on perceiving that the spirit 
had taken its flight, he led his children into an adjoining room, 
and with a firm voice, but glistening eye, read to them the fifteenth 
chapter of I. Corinthians." 

The immediate cultivation of the farm he committed to an over- 
seer ; but all the improvements were conducted under his own 
superintendence, and he took much pleasure in overlooking and 
directing his workmen. When his health and the weather permit- 



JOHN J A y. 297 

ted, he spent most of the day in the open air, and no small portion 
of it on horseback. 

" He was regular in his domestic habits. Every morning, 
immediately before breakfast, the family, including the domestics, 
were summoned to prayers ; and the call was repealed precisely 
at nine at night, when he read to them a chapter in the Bible, and 
concluded with prayer. At the close of the evening devotions he 
retired to rest, except when courtesy to his guests induced him to 
keep later hours ; but the presence of company neither postponed 
nor suspended the family worship." 

He was the friend of Foreign Missions. To Rev. Calvin Cha- 
pin he writes from Bedford, December 2, 1812 : *' I received by the 
last mail, your letter of the 19th September, containing a copy of 
' An Act to incorporate the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions.' I wish it was as much in my power, as it is in 
my inclination, to attend the meetings of the Board, and take an 
active part in the business committed to them." To Rev. Dr. 
Morse he writes January i, 1813 : "Permit me to request you to 
procure for me two complete sets of the ' Panoplist,' [the first Mis- 
sionary Magazine] and to put my name on the list of subscribers 
for two of each of the future numbers. I propose to place one 
set of them in our town library ; some good may result from 
it." 

He was the friend of the American Bible Society, succeeding 
Mr. Boudinot in the office of President. 

" Mr. Jay was a member of the Episcopal Church, and approved 
the doctrines and policy maintained by that portion of the denom- 
ination which is distinguished as the Low Church. On one occa- 
sion he received a visit at Bedford " from an old and estimable 
friend of the Quaker persuasion." On his return home he thus 
wrote to his host : " I thought while sitting by thee, and about to 
take my leave, I could with propriety give thee the right hand of 
fellowship, as one whose attainments in the vitality of religion 
entitle thee to pre-eminence." 

Oi innocent ph\isurcs Mr. Jay writes: "There arc innocent as 
well as vicious pleasures, and travelers through the world (as we 
all are) may, without scruple, gratefully enjoy the good roads, 
pleasant scenes, and agreeable accommodations with which Provi- 



298 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

dence may be pleased to render our journey more cheerful and 
comfortable ; but in search of these we are not to deviate from 
the main road, nor, when they occur, should we permit them to 
detain or retard us. The theory of prudence is sublime, and 
in many respects simple. The practice is difficult ; and it 
necessarily must be so, or this would cease to be a state of pro- 
bation," 

William, son of John Jay, in 18 18 was appointed Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas, and in 1820 was made the first Judge of 
Westchester County, holding office till 1842. He took an active 
part in the tract and missionary societies, and as president of the 
Westchester Bible Society, delivered a long series of annual 
addresses. He wrote " Life and Writings of John Jay." He 
cccupied the paternal estate at Bedford, and his son John suc- 
ceeded him in the inheritance. The estate is described in Mrs. 
Lamb's " Homes of America." 



JOSEPH JENCKES. 

GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND, 1727-1732.* 

Joseph Jenckes, grandfather of Joseph, born in England in 
1602, emigrated to Massachusetts and settled in Lynn. Under his 
direction the first " iron-works," in the colonies were established. 
He was the originator of useful improvements in tools and 
machinery, and received patents for his inventions. In 1655 a 
patent was granted him for an improved grass-scythe, the patent 
having been withheld several years because it was deemed too 
v,iluable to be monopolized. He had seven children, four sons 
and three daughters. 

His son Joseph acquired his trade at Lynn, and about 1655 
purchased of the Indians in Rhode Island, a tract of woodland on 
Blackstone River, including Pawtucket Falls, Iron ore was 
discovered near the Falls, and Mr. Jenckes there established a 
foundry and forge. He was one of the early settlers of what is 
now Pawtucket. 

Joseph Jenckes of the present sketch, son of the second Joseph, 
was born in Pawtucket in 1656 ; died June 15, 1740. 

He became a land-surveyor, and Rhode Island employed him in 
settling her boundaries with adjoining colonies. 

He served in the Assembly from 1679-1693 ; was member of the 
Council for a long term of years beginning 1680; was Deputy- 
Governor from 1715 till 1727, except 1721, when he went to 
England to present before the King the question of boundaries 
between Rhode Island on the one part, and Connecticut and 
Massachusetts on the other. On the death of Governor Cranston, 
who had been in office twenty-nine years, Mr. Jenckes was chosen 

* " Biographical Cyclopaedia, Rhode Island " ; Appleton ; Backus' " History 
of the Baptists in New England." 

299 



300 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Governor, and held the office for five years, residing for the larger 
part of the time in Newport, at the request of the General 
Assembly. 

Engraved upon his monument is this : " He was a zealous 
Christian, a wise and prudent Governor . . , with a soul truU' 
great, heroic and sweetly tempered." 

He was a communicant in the Baptist Church at Providence, 
and while attending to the duties of his office at Newport, joined 
in worship and communion with the church there. 

He held conservative views with regard to " the laying on of 
hands," and he would have the preacher of the Gospel receive 
allowance for his labor. A controversy arose in his church at 
Providence upon these points. Deacon Samuel Winsor took the 
lead of a party who were " resolutely set," and he taught publicl}', 
" that all those who took anything for preaching were like Simon 
Magus." 

Mr. Jenckes writes from Newport, March 19, 1730, to Elder 
J]rown : 

" Beloved Brother : 

" I am heartily sorry to hear of the difference in ooir church at Providence, 
about Mr. Walton's coming to settle there. ... I think the Scriptures are 
very clear. That it is not only lawful for a minister or elder that preaches the 
Gospel to receive a competent maintenance, but also the duty of the church, 
according to their ability, to afford it to him. ... As to Mr. Walton's receiving 
by way of contribution, ... I cannot imagine why any one should oppose his 
receiving some allowance for his labor, from such as are free to give it, none 
being under any compulsion : for I think it is highly rational, if he leaves his 
own home, where he can, by overseeing the management of his farm, live 
honorably, and removes to Providence purely to serve his brethren, that they 
should consider him accordingly. 

"Your affectionate Christian brother, 

" Joseph Jenckes." 

Governor Jenckes was a giant in stature, standing seven feet 
and two inches without his shoes. His wife was Martha, daughter 
of John Brown, eldest son of Rev. Chadd Brown. Daniel, a son 
of Ebenezer, the brother of the Governor, became a wealthy 
merchant of Providence ; for forty-eight years was a member of the 
First Baptist Church ; for forty years was a member of the General 
Assembly, and for nearly thirty years was Chief-Justice of the 
Providence County Court. 



WILLIAM JESSUP. 



JUDGE OF ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, PENNSYLVANIA, 1838- 

1851.* 

William Jessup, son of Major Zebulon Jessup, was born in 
Southampton, Long Island, June 21, 1797 ; died at Montrose, 
Penn., September 11, 1868. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1815, and among his class- 
mates were the poet Percival, Rev. Dr. Sprague, and Truman 
Smith. 

In 18 18 he removed to Montrose, having chosen the legal pro- 
fession for his calling, and was admitted to the Bar in 1820, 

In 1838 he was appointed Presiding Judge of the eleventh 
Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and held the position until 185 1. 
He then returned to the practice of his profession, taking in as 
partner his eldest son. He was one of the committee of three, 
sent forth by the Governors of New York, Pennsylvania and 
Ohio, to confer with President Lincoln, in relation to raising 
75,000 men. 

"In 1827 he was hopefully converted during a revival of relig- 
ion which prevailed in the town of ]\Iontrose. For a whole week he 
was under deep religious impression. An important case at law 
in which he was engaged, was at the time about to be tried at 
Wilkesbarre, and he sent word to the Judge that the cause must 
be postponed or go on without him, as he was engaged in a cause 
before a higher than any earthly tribunal, which must be settled 
before he could engage in business again. When at length he 
made the surrender and accepted Christ, his peace and joy were 
beyond expression. He commenced at once a life of prayer and 
became a member of the Presbyterian Church." 

* Appleton ; New York EvaugcUst ; " Vale College Record." 



302 WILLIAM JESSUP. 

For a number of years he was Vice-President of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, At the meeting in 
Detroit in 1858, he spoke at the closing exercises, and said : 
" Will the churches rise up, and furnishing the young men, send 
them out to this work ? We want a greater outpouring of the 
Holy Spirit. Thus God's army will be recruited, and money and 
men will be furnished." 

Mr. Jessup was united in marriage July 4, 1820, to Amanda 
Harris, of Southampton, Long Island. Two of his sons, Henry 
Harris, and Samuel, educated at Yale College and Union Theo- 
logical Seminary, became missionaries to Syria. 



EDWARD JOHNSON. 



REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1 643 - 1 647, 

1649-167 I.* 

Edward Johnson was born at Herne-Hill, Kent County, Eng- 
land, 1599; died at Woburn, Mass., April 23, 1672. 

He embarked at Southampton without his family, early in April, 
1630, in the Eagle, afterwards called the Arabella, one of the ves- 
sels of the fleet which conveyed Governor Winthrop and his com- 
pany. The following is Mr. Johnson's own language in reference 
to that event : 

"And now behold the several Regiments of these Soldiers of 
Christ, as they are shipped for his service in the Western World, 
part thereof being come to the Town and Port of Southampton in 
England, where they were to be shipped, that they might prose- 
cute this design to the full, one ship, called the Eagle, they wholly 
purchase, and many more they hire, filling them with the feed of 
man and beast to sow this yet untilled Wilderness withal, making 
sale of such Land as they possess, to the great admiration of their 
Friends and Acquaintance, who thus expostulate with them : 
* What, will not the large income of your yearly revenue content 
you, which in all reason cannot but be more advantageous both to 
you and yours, than all that Rocky Wilderness, whither you are 
going, to run the hazard of your life ? Have you not here your 
Tables filled with great variety of food, your Coffers filled with 
Coin, your Houses beautifully built and filled with all rich Furni- 
ture ? (or otherwise) have you not such a gainful Trade as none 
the like in the Town where you live ? Are you not enriched 

•Draper's edition of Johnson's " Wonder Working Providence," with 
Historical Introduction, by Poole. 

303 



304 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

daily ? Are not your children very well provided for as they come 
to years ? (nay) may you not here as pithily practice the two 
chief Duties of a Christian (if Christ give strength) namely, Morti- 
fication and Sanctification, as in any place of the world ? What 
helps can you have there that you must not carry from hence ? 
With bold resolvedness these stout Soldiers of Christ reply. . . " 

In the summer of 163 1, Mr, Johnson returned to England, and 
remained until about 1636, when he came again to Massachusetts, 
his family accompanying him. He took up his residence at 
Woburn, then called Charleston Village. 

He took his seat in the General Court, May 10, 1643, ^.s 
Deputy from the town of Woburn, and was annually re-elected 
until 167 1, 1648 excepted. He was made Speaker of the House 
in 1655. In 1665 he was on the committee with Bradstreet and 
others, to meet the English commissioners, NicoUs and Carr. In 
military affairs he held the title of Captain. 

" History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company," 
speaks of Mr. Johnson as a man of learning and piety, and the 
founder of the church in Woburn. Of the planting of this ancient 
church, Mr. Johnson relates as follows, in his work entitled 
" Wonder- Working Providence." 

" . . . . Now to declare how this people proceeded in religious 
matters. . . . All the churches planted in New England, when 
they come once to hopes of being such a competent number of 
people as might be able to maintain a minister, they then surely 
seated themselves, and not before ; it being as unnatural for a 
right N. E. man to live without an able ministry, as for a smith 
to work his iron without fire ; therefore this people that went 
about placing down a Town, began the foundation-stone with 
earnest seeking of the Lord's assistance, by humbling of their 
souls before him in days of prayer and imploring his aid in so 
mighty a work. . . . They after some search, meet with a young 
man named Mr. Thomas Carter, then belonging to the church of 
Christ at Watertown, a godly man, apt to teach the sound and 
wholesome truths of Christ. . . . Thus' these godly people inter- 
est their affections one with the other, both minister and people. 
After this they make ready for the work, and "the 24th of the sixth 



ED \VA RD JOffNSON. 305 

month, 1642, they assemble together in the morning about eight 
of the clock. . . . Messengers of clivers neighboring churches, 
among whom are Mr. Cotton, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. 
Eliot, Mr. Mather. As also it is the duty of the Magistrates, in 
regard of the good and peace of the civil Government to be present, 
at least some one of them, .... for this cause was present hon- 
ored Mr. Increase Nowel. 

" The persons stood forth and first confessed what the Lord had 
done for their poor souls, by the work of his Spirit in the preach- 
ing of his Word, and Providences, one by one. . . . The Elders, 
or any other messengers there present, question with them, for 
the better understanding of them in any points they doubt of, 
which being done, and all satisfied, they in the name of the 
churches to which they do belong, hold out the right hand of fel- 
lowship unto them, they declaring their Covenant in words, 
expressed in writing to this purpose. [Here follows ' The Church 
Covenant.'] 

" The 22d of the ninth month following, Mr. Thomas Carter 
was ordained Pastor, in presence of the like assembly. . . . The 
people having provided a dwelling house, built at the charge of 

the Town in general, welcomed him unto them with joy 

There were divers added to the church daily. . . . The person 
desirous to join with the church, cometh to the Pastor, and makes 
him acquainted therewith. . . . Before they come to join with the 
church, all persons within the Town have public notice of it, then 
publicly he declares the manner of his conversion. . . . Because 
some men cannot speak publicly to edification through bashful- 
ness, the less is required of such, and women speak not publicly 
at all, for all that is desired is, to prevent the polluting of the 
blessed Ordinances of Christ by such as walk scandalously, and 
that men and women do not eat and drink their own condemna- 
tion, in not discerning the Lord's body. . . . Those seven that 
joined in church fellowship at first, are now increased to seventy- 
four persons, or thereabouts. . , ." 

Mr. Johnson's publication brought to notice in this sketch, was 
issued in England, 1654, and bears upon its title-page the follow- 
ing: 
20 



3o6 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" Wonder-Working Providence of Sion's Saviour in New England. 

" A History of New England, from the English planting in the Year 1628, 
until the Year 1652. 

" . . . . The righteous shall see it and rejoice, and all iniquity shall stop her 
mouth. " 

Mr. Johnson married Susan , born in England, 1597 ; died 

at Woburn, 1690. Their children were Edward, George, William, 
Martha, Mathew, John, Susan, He possessed a large estate, and 
gave by will to his grandchildren, the farm and two other pieces 
of property located in England ; to his children, the property 
located in America. 



NATHANIEL OLMSTEAD KELLOGG. 

SENATOR IN CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE, 1 849.* 

Rev. Ebenezer Kellogg, grandfather of Nathaniel O., was the 
first pastor of the church in Vernon, Conn., organized in 1762, and 
he held the relation fifty-four years. 

Nathaniel O. Kellogg was born at Vernon in 1796; died there 
in 1854. 

By the loss at the age of eleven months of a praying mother, he 
was brought early in life into close relations with his grandpar- 
ents. 

Entering upon manhood, he embarked in the manufacture of 
woollen goods in his native town. 

He was a Representative in the State Legislature in 1846 and 
1848 ; and served in the State Senate in 1849. 

"At the age of nineteen, while at work in a place where the 
society was not congenial with his taste, he was in the habit of 
spending evenings in reading religious books to an aged lady of 
intelligence and piety. On his marriage with j\Iiss Eliza Nash, of 
Stockbridge, Mass., in 1822, he immediately commenced family 
prayer and never afterward relinquished the practice, although 
his public profession of religion did not occur until ten years from 
that time. During those years he was also in the habit of attend- 
ing the weekly pra3'er meeting. In the great revival which pre- 
vailed in 1831, his feelings were deeply interested, and in 1832 he 
unitetl with the church. He prayed in his closet, and when 
abroad he was in the habit of keeping up this closet devotion 
under circumstances in which it is often omitted. During a 
season of sickness while abroad in London, he said he found 

* "Discourse," by Rev. Albert Smith. 
307 



308 AMERICAN CHRISTIAM RULERS. 

much comfort in going through all the questions in the Shorter 
Catechism, and reciting the answers." 

"Mr. Kellogg possessed more than ordinary courtesy. His 
manners were kind and winning, and he was a man whom it was 
always pleasant to meet." 



AMOS KENDALL. 

POSTMASTER-GENERAL OF UNITED STATES, 1 83 5- 1 84O.* 

Amos Kendall was born in Dunstable, Mass., August i6, 1789; 
died in Washington, D. C, June 12, 1869. 

Until the age of si.xteen, he worked with his father, a farmer in 
moderate circumstances. He was a student at the Academies of 
New Ipswich and Groton, taught school at North Reading, and 
with the money thus obtained, entered Dartmouth College. He 
taught school from time to time during his course, and in 181 1 
"graduated the first in his class." 

He studied law with W. B. Richardson of Groton, Mass., sub- 
sequently Chief-Justice of New Hampshire, was admitted to the 
Bar, and in the spring of 18 14 removed to Lexington, Ky. Find- 
ing his professional labors not immediately remunerative, he 
again resorted to teaching, and for several months was a tutor in 
the family of Henry Clay. Subsequently he established himself 
in Georgetown, where he received an appointment as Postmaster, 
and where he edited a local newspaper. In 1829 he was 
appointed by President Jackson Fourth Auditor of the Treasury; 
in May, 1835, he was promoted to the position of Postmaster- 
General of the United States, in which position he continued 
under President Van Pjureii until May, 1840. He introduced 
reforms, and cleared the department of debt. He subsequently 
took up his permanent residence in Washington City. 

'* Mr. Kendall was seventy-six j'ears old when he was baptized, 
at which time he became a teacher in the Sunday School. He 
gave $6000 to found six scholarships- in Columbia College, about 
$150,000 towards the erection and subsequent rebuilding of the 
Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, and some $24,000 for 

* Appleton ; Lannian ; Boston Recorder ; Boston IVatc/tmaii. 
309 



3 lO AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Mission Sunday School purposes. He founded the Washington 
deaf and dumb asylum by a donation of $20,000, and was its 
first President." 

Washington correspondence, dated November 27, 1863, gives 
the following : 

" My own pastor being absent from the city, I kept my Thanks- 
giving at the Calvary Baptist Church, where Rev. T. R. Howlett 
preaches. Here I sat next to Hon. Amos Kendall, whose old 
age shames many a younger man in his diligent attendance on 
divine worship. . . . Thirty years ago, as Postmaster-General, he 
justified the South in breaking open the mails, to see if they con- 
tained any anti-siavery correspondence. 

" He was the master mind of General Jackson's Cabinet, and 
being himself a slave-owner, made every public measure bear a 
Southern impression. To-day, the old ex-Postmaster-General 
founds the most anti-slavery church in Washington." 



AMOS LAWRENCE. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1822.* 

Samuel Lawrence, father of Amos, and son of Captain Amos 
Lawrence, Sr., was an officer in the Continental Army,* and 
received a bullet through his cap at the battle of Bunker Hill. 
The son writes : " My father and mother were acquainted from 
their childhood, and in 1777, were married. While the ceremony 
was going' forward, the signal was given to call all soldiers to their 
posts; and within the hour, he left his wife and friends, to join his 
regiment, then at Cambridge." 

Amos Lawrence was born in Groton, Mass., April 22, 1786; 
died in Boston, December 31, 1852. 

When twenty-one years of age, he accepted a position as clerk 
in a mercantile house in Boston. In the course of a few months, 
a proposition was extended to him to become a partner, but the 
business principles of the establishment he did not approve, and 
he declined. The firm soon failed. 

In December, 1807, he commenced business on his own account. 
At a subsequent date he wrote : " On the ist of January, 18 14, I 
took my brother Abbott into partnership on equal shares, putting 
fifty thousand dollars that I had then earned into the concern." 

He was elected a Representative to the State Legislature from 
Boston, for the session of 1821 and 1822. His commercial pur- 
suits were exacting, but he attended faithfully to the duties of his 
position, even at the expense of his private interest. 

In his diary, January i, 1852, he writes : "The outgoes for all 
objects (benevolent and charitable) since January i, 1842, have 
been six hundred and four thousand dollars." 

" I have never in my life smoked a cigar, " says Mr. Lawrence. 

* " Life of Amos Lawrence," by William Lawrence. 
3" 



312 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

To his son he writes : " Learn as much as you can of farming ; 
for the work of your hands in this way may prove the best 
resource in securing comfort to you." 

To a friend he writes : " From the commencement of my course 
I practiced upon the maxim, Business before friends.^'' 

Again to a friend : " On the 23d ult., I was blessed by the birth 

of a fine little daughter. I wish you were a married man. S 

has put her eye on a rib for you. She has a good constitution, is 
acquainted with domestic matters, has the most desirable of the 
accomplishments ; and my only objection to her is, as far as I 
have observed her, that she has a few thousand dollars in cash." 

To Mark Hopkins he writes :".... And now let us turn to 
matters of more importance ; the awakening of the young men of 
your college to their highest interest, — the salvation of their souls. 
I pray God to perfect the good work thus begun. I have much to 
think of to-day, — my sixty-sixth birthday. The question comes, 
' What am I rendering to the Lord ? ' The answer of conscience 
is, ' Imperfect service.' If accepted, it will be through mercy ; and 
with this feeling of hope, I keep about, endeavoring to scatter 
good seed as I go forth in my daily ministrations." 

Mr. Lawrence was twice married : first to Sarah Richards ; 
second to Mrs. Nancy Ellis, widow of Judge Ellis, of New Hamp- 
shire. His son, William R. Lawrence, M. D., edited " Diary 
and Correspondence of Amos Lawrence ; " first published in an edi- 
tion of one hundred copies, afterwards given to the pubHc at the 
solicitation of the Boston Young Men's Christian Union, Boston 
Young Men's Christian Association, and the Students of Williams 
College. 



WILLIAM LEETE. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1676.* 

William Leete, a native of England, died in Hartford, Conn., 
April 16, 1683. 

Bred a lawyer, he was for a considerable time Clerk, in EVig- 
Iand,«of a Bishop's Court. In this service, he became acquainted 
with the transactions between the bishops and the Puritans. He 
himself became a Puritan, left the Bishop's Court, and, in 1638, 
came into New England, in company with Eaton and Hopkins. 

His name is among the six planters who signed the writings at 
New Haven, in Newman's barn, September, 1639, when they 
purchased the lands of the Squaw Sachem. He became a resi- 
dent of the town of Guilford, and "was one of the seven 
pillars of Mr. Whitfield's church." When Mr. Whitfield went to 
England, several of the first planters went with him, but Mr. 
Leete remained at Guilford. 

He was chosen Magistrate for the Colony of New Haven in 
1643 ; ^^'^s annually re-elected until May, 1658 ; was then chosen 
Deputy-Governor of that Colony, holding the office until elected 
Governor in 1661. He held the office of Governor of New 
Haven Colony until the union in 1665, with Connecticut Colony. 
He was then chosen one of the Magistrates of Connecticut ; was 
elected Deputy-Governor, in 1669 ; when he was chosen Gover- 
nor, changing his residence to Hartford. 

For more than thirty years he sustained the responsibilities of 
civil office, in one or other of the Colonies. " He presided in 
times of the greatest difficulty, yet always conducted himself with 
such integrity and wisdom, as to meet the public approbation." 

♦Trumbull's "History of Connecticut"; "Eliot's "Biographical Diction- 
ary"; Ilinman's Antiquities " ; Appleton. 

3^3 



314 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Twenty-seven queries were sent from the authorities in Eng- 
land to the Governor of his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut, to 
which answers were returned signed by Governor Leete. The 
last inquiry was as follows, with answer and signature. 

" What course is taken for the instructing of the people in the 
Christian Religion ; how many churches and ministers are there 
within your government; how many are yet wanting for the ac- 
commodation of your corporation ; what provision is made for 
their maintenance ; as also for relieving poor and impotent 
persons ; and have you any beggars and idle vagabonds ? " 

[answers.] 

" Great care is taken, for the instruction of the people in the Christian Reli- 
gion, by ministers catechising them, and preaching to them twice every Sab- 
bath day, and sometimes on Lecture days ; and so by masters of families in- 
structing and catechising their children and se^^vants ; being required so to do 
by law. In our Corporation are twenty-six towns, ajid twenty-one churches. 
There is in every town in our colony a settled minister, except in two towns 
rtew begun, and they are looking out for a minister to settle amongst them. 
For the maintenance of the ministers, it is raised upon the people by way of 
rate ; and in some places it is loo lbs. per annum, some 90 lbs., some 80 lbs., 
and in no place le.ss than 50 lbs. per annum, as we know of. . . . For the 
poor it is ordered that they be relieved by the towns where they live. It is 
seldom that any want relief; because labor is dear, and provisions cheap. 
Beggars and vagabond persons are not suffered ; but when discovered are 
bound out to service. . . . 

" William Leete, Governor. 

" Per order, 

"John Allyn, Sec'ry. 

" Hartford, July 15, 1680." 

Mr. Leete had a large family of children. His son Andrew 
was for several years a Magistrate of the Colony. 
An island near Guilford bears the Governor's name. 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1861-1865.* 

Abraham Lincoln, grandfather of Abraham, of Enghsh de- 
scent, settled in the state of Kentucky, and was fatally shot by an 
Indian while at work at a distance from his cabin. 

Thomas Lincoln, eldest son of the preceding, and father of 
Abraham, at the age of twenty-eight, married Nancy Hanks, a 
Virginian by birth ; and settled first in Hardin County, Kentucky, 
afterwards in Spencer County, Indiana. The journey to this last 
home was difificult, " cutting his way in places through dense 
forests." 

Abraham Lincoln was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, 
February 12, 1809 ; was assassinated at Washington, April 14, 
1865, and died the following morning. 

He was less than eight years old when the family made their 
difficult journey to Indiana. Here his home was a log cabin, two 
miles and more distant from neighbors. 

When ten years old, his mother died, and about two years after 
his father married Mrs. Sally Johnston, a widow with three 
children. She possessed good sense, industry and economy. 
The two sets of children lived together in harmony and friend- 
ship. 

Abraham's youth was devoted to farm-labor. He took his 
schooling at intervals, and the entire number of days thus em- 
ployed did not much exceed one year. Among the books which 
he read were Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Progress," and Ramsay's " Life 
of Washington." When nineteen years old, he made a trip down 
the Mississippi to New Orleans upon a Hat boat, receiving as pay 
" ten dollars a month and found." 

* " Hiographies of Lincoln," Raymond; Lamon ; Holland; Carpenter's 
*' Six Months at the White House." 



3 1 6 AMERICAN CflRISTIAN RULERS. 

In 1830 Thomas Lincoln removed with his family to Decatur, 
Macon County, Illinois, where, with the assistance of Abraham, 
now twenty-one, he built a log cabin, and fenced in ten acres of 
land. 

In 1832 the Black Hawk War broke out, and Mr. Lincoln 
served for three months as a Captain of volunteers. 

He studied law " by borrowing from a neighboring lawyer, 
books which he took in the evening and returned in the morning." 
In 1837 he removed to Springfield, and opened an office in part- 
nership with John F. Stewart. 

He served in the Illinois Legislature in 1834, 1836, 1838 and 
1840 ; was a Representative in Congress from 1847 to 1849 ; was 
elected President of the United States for the term commencing 
March 4, 1861 ; re-elected for the term commencing March 4, 
1865. Princeton College conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 
in 1864. 

On leaving his home in Springfield, February 11, 1861, to 
assume his duties at Washington, the Civil War having already 
taken shape, to those assembled at the train, he spoke : " No one 
not in my position can appreciate the sadness I feel in parting. 
A duty devolves upon me which perhaps, is greater than has 
devolved on any other since the days of Washington. He never 
would have succeeded but for the aid of Divine Providence, upon 
which he at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without 
the "same Divine aid that sustained him, and in the same Almighty 
Being I place my reliance for support. I hope you, my friends, 
will pray that I may receive that Divine assistance, without which 
I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain. Again I bid 
you all an affectionate farewell." 

The people answered, " We will pray for you." 

Mr. Lincoln's position touching the question o- rebellion and 
the manner of its treatment, is revealed in passages from his first 
inaugural, — in his letter to Horace Greeley, — in his Proclamation 
of Emancipation. 

" If the United States be not a government proper, but an asso- 
ciation of States in the nature of a contract merely, can it, as a 
contract, be peaceably unmade by less than all the parties who 



ABRAHAM I. IXCOLN. 317 

made it ? The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, 
and possess the property and places belonging to the Government. 
If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied hold the right 
side in the dispute, there is still no single reason for precipitate 
action. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity and a firm reliance 
on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still 
competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulties. 
In your hands, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of Civil 
War. You can have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the 
Government ; while I shall have the most solemn one to ' pre- 
serve, protect and defend it.'" 

" Executive Mansiox, August 22. 
" To Hon. Horace Greeley : 

" Dear Sir : — I have just read yours of the 19th instant, addressed to myself 
through the New York Trilmne. If there be any statements or assumptions of 
fact which I may ivnow to be erroneous, I do not now and here controvert 
them. If there be perceptible in it an impatient and dictatorial tone, I waive it in 
deference to an old friend whose heart I have always supposed to be right. As 
to the policy, I 'seem to be pursuing,' as you say, I have not meant to leave 
any one in doubt. I would save the Union. I would save it in the shortest 
way under the Constitution. ... If I could save the Union without freeing 
any slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I 
would do it ; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I 
would also do that. ... I intend no modification of my oft-expressed 
personal wish that all men everywhere, could be free. 

" Yours, 

" A. LiN'COLN." 

The Proclamation of Emancipation was issued September 22, 
1862, and was made final January i, 1863. The following from 
the journal of Secretary Chase, reveals Mr. Lincoln in his dis- 
charge of this responsible act. 

'■'■Monday, September 22, 1862. — Went to the White House. 
All the members of the Cabinet were in attendance. The Presi- 
dent mentioned that Artemas Ward had sent him his book. 
Proposed to read a chapter which he thought very funny. Read 
it and seemed to enjoy it very much ; the heads, also, except 
Stanton. The President then took a graver tone and said : 
' Gentlemen, I have, as you are aware, thought a great deal about 



3l8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

the relation of this war to slavery ; and you all remember that, 
several weeks ago, I read to you an order I had prepared on this 
subject, which on account of objections made by some of you, was 
not issued. Ever since then my mind has been much occupied 
with this subject, and I have thought all along, that the time for 
acting on it might probably come. I think the time has come 
now. I wish it was a better time ; I wish that we were in a 
better condition. The action of the army against the Rebels has 
not been quite what I should have best liked ; but they have 
been driven out of Maryland ; and Pennsylvania is no longer in 
danger of invasion. When the Rebel Army was at Frederick, I 
determined, as soon as it should be driven out of Maryland, to 
issue a Proclamation of Emancipation, such as I thought most 
likely to be useful. I said nothing to any one, but I made the 
promise to myself and (hesitating a little), to my Maker. The 
Rebel Army is now driven out, and I am going to fulfil that 
promise. I have got you together to hear what I have written 
down. I do not wish your advice about the main matter, for that 
I have determined for myself. This I say without intending any- 
thing but respect for any one of you. If there is anything in the 
expressions I use, or in any minor matter, which any one of you 
thinks had best be changed, I shall be glad to receive the sugges- 
tions.' 

" The President then proceeded to read his Emancipation 
Proclamation, making remarks on the several parts as he went on. 
After he had closed. Governor Seward said :....! followed, 
saying : ' The Proclamation does not, indeed, mark out exactly 
the course I would myself prefer ; but I am ready to take it just 
as it is written, and to stand by it with all my heart.' " 

Richmond and Petersburg were evacuated by the Confederate 
troops on the night of April 2, 1865. The day following, Mr. 
Lincoln entered Richmond, and the experiences of the day are 
thus portrayed : 

" He came up in a man-of-war about 2 P. m. to the landing 
called the Rocketts, about a mile below the city, and thence, ac- 
companied by his young son and Admiral Porter, came to the city 
in a boat. He walked up the streets towards Colonel Weitzel's 



ABRAHAM LTNCOLN. 319 

headquarters, in the house occupied two days before by Jefferson 
Davis. The news of his arrival spread as he walked, and from all 
sides the colored people came running together. The' men threw 
up their hats, the women waved their bonnets and handkerchiefs, 
clapped their hands, and sang ' Glory to God ! Glory, glory ! ' 
* I thank you, dear Jesus, that I behold President Linkum ! ' 
was the exclamation of a woman who stood upon the threshold of 

her humble home As he took his seat in the chair so long 

occupied by President Davis, his great head fell into his broad 
hands, and a sigh that seemed to come from the soul of a nation, 
escaped his lips. His mind seemed to be traveling back through 
the years of the war, and recounting the cost in treasure and 
blood that made it possible for him to sit there." 

Concerning Mr. Lincoln's religious character, varied testimony 
is furnished. 

The Trustees of the University of Chicago, wishing to place in 
its archives some authentic evidence touching his religious life 
and opinions, addressed the Rev. N. W. Minor, a resident of 
Springfield, requesting facts within his knowledge bearing on the 
subject. Mr. Minor wrote : 

" I first became acquainted with Mr. Lincoln in the spring of 
1855. At this period I do not think he was what is termed an 
experimental Christian." . . . [In the spring of 1862, Mr. Minor 
paid a visit to Washington, and on a Thursday afternoon rode out 
with Mr. Lincoln.] 

He writes : " In the course of conversation I asked, * Do you 
think, judging from your standpoint, that we shall be able to put 
down this rebellion ? ' Said he, ' You know I am not of a very 
hopeful temperament. Trusting in God for help, and believing 
that our cause is just, I believe we shall conquer in the end. I 
can hardly believe that I am the same man I was a few years ago, 
when I was living in my humble way with you in Springfield. 
This getting the nomination for President, and being elected, is 
all very pleasing to a man's ambition ; but to be the President, in 
times like these, is any thing but pleasant. I would gladly, if I 
could, take my neck from under the yoke. But,' with solemnity, 
he added : ' It has pleased Almighty God to place me in my pres- 



320 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

ent position ; and looking to Him, I must work out my destiny as 
best I can.' Our conversation was free, and I felt certain that if 
Mr. Lincoln was not really an experimental Christian, he was 
acting like one. And here I would relate an incident which 
occurred on the 4th of March, 186 1, as told to me by Mrs. 
Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln wrote the conclusion of his inaugural 
address the morning it was delivered. The family being present, 
he read it to them. He then said he wished to be left alone 
for a short season. The family retired to an adjoining room, but 
not so far distant but that the voice of prayer could be distinctly 
heard. . . ." 

During the war a lady connected with the Christian Commis- 
sion had occasion in the course of her duties, to have several in- 
terviews with the President. On one occasion after business with 
him was finished, he said to her : 

" Mrs. — , I have formed a high opinion of your Christian 
character, and now, I have a mind to ask you to give me, in brief, 
your idea of what constitutes a true religious experience." 

The lady stated that, in her judgment, it consisted of a con- 
viction of one's own sinfulness and weakness, and personal need 
of the Saviour for strength and support ; that views of mere 
doctrine might and would differ, but when one was really brought 
to feel his need of Divine help, and to seek the aid of the Holy 
Spirit for strength and guidance, it was evrdence of his having 
been born again. . > . 

Mr. Lincoln was thoughtful for a few moments, and at length 
said : " If what you have told me is a correct view of this great 
subject, I think I can say that I hope I am a Christian. I had 
lived," he continued, " until my boy Willie died, without realizing 
fully these things. That blow overwhelmed me. It showed me 
my weakness as I had never felt it before, and if I can take what 
you have stated as a test, I think I can safely say that I know 
something of the change of which you speak ; and I will further 
add, that it has been my intention for some time, at a suitable 
opportunity to make a public religious profession." 

A gentleman called at the White House to see the President on 
business and relates : " I was shown into the office of his private 
secretary, and told that Mr. Lincoln was busy just then, but 



ABRAHA M LINCOLN. 3 2 1 

would be disengaged in a short time. While waiting, I heard a 
very earnest prayer being uttered in a loud, female voice in the 
adjoining room. I inquired what it meant, and was told that an 
old Quaker lady, a friend of the President's, had called that after- 
noon and taken tea at the White House, and that she was then 
praying with Mr. Lincoln. After the lapse of a few minutes the 
prayer ceased, and the President, accompanied by a Quakeress 
not less than eighty years old, entered the room where I was 
sitting." 

In the course of a conversation of Mr. Bateman, of Illinois, with 
Mr. Lincoln previous to his first election, the latter unfolded him- 
self in such a way as caused Mr. Bateman to feel that he had in 
his quiet way found a path to the Christian standpoint. Said he 
to Mr. Lincoln : " I have not supposed that you were accustomed 
to think so much upon this class of subjects ; certainly your 
friends generally are ignorant of the sentiments you have ex- 
pressed to me." He replied quickly, " I know they are, but I 
think more on these subjects than upon all others, and 1 have 
done so for years ; and I am willing you should know it." 

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church met in 
Springfield, Illinois, May, 1882. Dr. Henry Darling, in the course 
of his reply to the* Governor's welcome spoke as follows : " In 
the last year of the war, when victory seemed to be following our 
armies, one of our Synods, now represented in this Assembly, met 
in the city of Washington, when it was decided to visit the Presi- 
dent in a body. After a brief address by the 'Moderator, Mr. 
Lincoln replied, thanking them, as well as other churches for what 
had been done by them to save our land from the terrors of 
secession. Then hesitating, he closed his remarks by a few faint 
words, but sufficiently loud to be heard by every one present as 
follows : ' I never thought I was a great man ; I am not. And I 
have often wondered why in these perilous times God put me in 
such a position of responsibility as this ; and my only explanation 
is that God would make the American people feel that it was Him- 
self that brought deliverance.' " 

Mr. Lincoln was noted for his talent in producing an apt 
illustration or story, and a volume of "Lincoln's Stories," by J, B. 
McClure, was issued in 1879. '^'^^ private secretaries of Mr. 



322 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Lincoln, John G. Nicolay and John Hay, are engaged in pro- 
ducing an important work upon his " Life and Times." 

His home was a modest mansion in the city of Springfield, 
111. He married November 4, 1842, Mary, daughter of Robert S. 
Todd, of Lexington, Ky. His son, Robert, entered President 
Garfield's Cabinet as Secretary of War, and served four years ; in 
1889 was appointed by President Harrison Minister to England. 



JAMES LOGAN. 

ACTING GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1 736,* 

Patrick Logan, of Scotch ancestry, father of James, was 
educated at the University of Edinburgh, entered the ministry, 
served for a time as chaplain, and finally "joined in religious 
society with the Quakers." Remarried Isabel Hume, "a lady 
of distinction by birth and connections." 

James Logan was born in Lurgan, Ireland, October 20, 1674; 
died at Stenton, Penn., October 31, 1751. 

Before he was thirteen years of age he had attained a knowl- 
edge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. He was put apprentice to 
a linen-draper in Dublin, but the war in Ireland coming on 
before he was bound, he was returned to his parents, and 
went with them, first to Edinburgh, then to London, then to 
Bristol. In Bristol he entered upon trade with good promise of 
success. 

In the spring of 1699, while engaged in business at Bristol, he 
was solicited by William Penn to accompany him to his newly- 
founded Colony in America. He submitted this offer to his 
friends, who did not favor the proposal. Pie decided himself to 
accept the proposal of the Governor ; and', accordingly, sailed 
with Penn to America, in the Canterbury, in the seventh month 
(September), 1699. 

He was appointed Secretary to the Province of Pennsylvania, 
with general charge both of the government and property. Wil- 
liam Penn, when about sailing for England, in 1701, thus 
addresses him : " I have left thee in an uncommon trust, with a 

* " Memoirs of James Logan," by Wilson Armistead, London, 1S51 ; " The 
Historic Mansions of Philadelphia," by Thompson Westcott, 1877 ; Apple- 
ton. 

323 



324 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

singular dependence on thy justice and care, which I expect thou 
wilt faithfully employ in advancing my honest interest." 

From 1 73 1 till 1739, Mr. Logan served as Chief-Justice of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and after the death of Governor 
Gordon in 1736, he served as Acting Governor of the:Province for 
two years. 

Mr. Logan was a Quaker in religious belief. He was styled by 
Mr. Armistead " A Distinguished Scholar and Christian Legisla- 
tor." The following are extracts from a paper drawn up by 
James Logan, addressed "To Myself." 

" Remember that thou art not of thy own production, but 
brought into this world by the Creator and Supreme Lord of 
it . . . Enter into covenant with him forever to be his by ser- 
vice, whose thou art by creation." 

" Remember that thou art by profession a Christian ; that is, 
one who art called after the immaculate Lamb of God, who, by 
offering himself a sacrifice for thee, atoned for thy sins ; and, by 
debasing himself to thy condition, has given thee the example of his 
own unspotted life to copy after. Clothe thyself, therefore, with 
his spirit, make him thy holy pattern, and do nothing unbecoming 
so great and glorious a title." 

" In the morning at thy rising, prostrate thyself before thy Great 
Master, who has led thee safe through the dark vale of the past 
night, as a servant ready and desirous to perform his holy will the 
following day. . . . Suffer not the sun in winter at farthest, or 
the sixth hour in summer, to find thee, if in health, on thy pillow. 
Rouse with the more simple servants of nature, and, borrowing 
one hour from the sleep of sluggards, spend it in thy chamber in 
dressing thy soul with prayer and meditation, reading the Scrip- 
tures and good authors. Thrice happy those blessed moments, 
they will yield an immortal harvest of never failing treasures." 

" In the evening before thou suffer sleep to invade thine eyes, 
recollect the actions of the past day, keeping, if possible, an exact 
account of all thy hours, . . . Thus anticipate the reckoning of 
the great and last day, and calming thy conscience in a true peace 
with thy God, to his Divine pratection commit thyself, and as if it 
were thy last sleep, compose thyself to rest." 



JAMES LOGAN. 325 

". . . . Remember that the same enemy that caused thy first 
parents to forfeit their blessed condition, notwithstanding the 
gate is now opened for a restoration, is perpetually using his 
whole endeavors to prevent thee from attaining this, and frustrate 
to thee the passion of thy Redeemer. His temptations are con- 
stantly working, his snares ready, and his attacks always prepar- 
ing to batter thy soul, as thou too feelingly know by dear 
experience ; do thou therefore keep constantly on thy guard, 
knowing that the life of a Christian is a continual warfare." 

Mr. Logan, after the manner of the Quakers, was mild and 
pacific in his deal with the Indians; and they in turn gave him 
their confidence. " At a treaty held with the Six Nations, at 
Philadelphia, in 1742, Canassatego, chief of the Onondagos, thus 
expressed himself to the Governor and Council respecting James 
Logan. . . . 'He is a wise man, and a fast friend to the Indians ; 
and we desire, when his soul goes to God, you may choose in his 
room just such another person, of the same prudence and ability 
in counseling, and of the same tender disposition" and affection 
for the Indians.'" 

The Loganian Library, now occupying a separate department 
of the Philadelphia Library, was established by a gift on the part 
of Mr. Logan of three thousand volumes of choice works, which 
he had been fifty years in collecting. His will, dated in 1749, bears 
this passage : " In my library, which I have left to the city of 
Philadelphia for the facilitating and advancement of classical 
learning, are above one hundred volumes of authors in folio, all in 
Greek, with mostly their versions ; all the Roman classics, without 
exception ; all the old Greek mathematicians. . . . Besides, there 
are many of the most valuable Latin authors, and a great number 
of modern mathematicians, with all the three editions of Newton, 
Dr. Halley, Wallis, etc. I have built a library-room, and endowed 
it forever with thirty-five pounds sterling per annum for a libra- 
rian ; he to advance eighteen pounds yearly to buy books." 

For several years after arriving in this country, Mr. Logan 
lived a bachelor life in what is now the city of Philadelphia. He 
formed an attachment for Ann Shippen, daughter of Edward, first 
Mayor of Philadelphia, which was not reciprocated; and Penn 



326 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN R ULERS. 

wrote to Logan in February, 1705 : "I am anxiously grieved for 
thy unhappy love." He married on the 9th of the tenth month 
(December), 17 14, Sarah, daughter of Charles Reade, Mayor in 
1726 ; and finally established his seat at Stenton, now also a part 
of Philadelphia. His house was a plain, two-story structure of 
brick, and " half of the front in the second story was taken up by 
one finely lighted room, the library of the book-loving masters of 
the place." 

He had seven children, three of whom died young. Sarah, the 
oldest child, married Isaac Norris, Jr., an influential Quaker. 
Hannah, fourth child, and second daughter, married John Smith, 
merchant, and member of the Society of Friends. The sons were 
William and James. William commenced his education under the 
care of his father, and completed his studies in England ; 
engaged in agriculture at Stenton, became a member of the Pro- 
vincial Council of Pennsylvania, traveled extensively in America, 
and his journal from Philadelphia to Georgia in manuscript, is 
still preserved [185 1]. George Logan, son of William, pursued 
a three years course in medicine at Edinburgh, but did not practice ; 
occupied the family seat at Stenton, followed agriculture, and was 
a Senator in Congress from 1801 till 1807. His wife, Deborah, 
was a Quaker without sectarianism, and an example of the Chris- 
tian graces. 

Among the publications of James Logan was a translation of 
Cicero's " De Senectute," with notes and preface by Benjamin 
Franklin, Philadelphia, 1744; London, 1750; Glasgow, 1751 
and 1758. 



JAMES MANNING. 

DELEGATE TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1 786.* 

James Manning, father of James, was a member of the Baptist 
church, and was a proprietor and cultivator of the soil. His wife, 
Grace Fitz Randolph, was also a communicant in the church. 

James Manning was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., October 22, 
1738; died in Providence, R. I., July 29, 1791. 

He prepared for college under the instruction of Rev. Isaac 
Eaton, who had opened an academy at Hopewell, N. J. Under 
the guidance of this teacher, he became the subject of renewing 
grace, and on returning to Elizabethtown, made a public profes- 
sion of religion. He graduated at Princeton College in 1762, and 
in 1763 was ordained to the ministry. He served for a short time 
the church in Morristown, N. J., then accepted an invitation from 
the church in Warren, R. I., and opened in that town a Latin 
school. 

The brethren of the Baptist denomination in Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey conferred together upon the matter of establishing 
a college in Rhode Island, on account of the religious freedom 
which was there enjoyed, and solicited Mr. Manning to lead for- 
ward in the enterprise. This gentleman consulted with the 
Deputy- Governor and others at Newport, concerning the founding 
of a school of polite literature, " subject to the government of the 
Baptists," and as a result, in 1764 the Legislature granted the 
desired charter. 

In 1765 Mr. Manning was appointed President and Professor of 
Languages, "with full power to act in these capacities at Warren 

* " Memoir," by Professor Goddard ; " History of the Baptists in New Eng- 
land," by Isaac Backus; "Manning and Brown University," by Reuben A. 
Gould. 

327 



328 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

or elsewhere." The college went into operation at Warren in 1766, 
and a class of seven was graduated in September, 1769. To this 
class belonged Rev. Dr. William Rogers, and Hon. James Mitch- 
ell Varnum, who became General in the Revolutionary Army. 
When the question of the erection of a college edifice came to be 
considered, it was decided " that the said edifice be built in the 
town of Providence, and there be continued forever." A commit- 
tee delicately conferred. with Mr. Manning's congregation in refer- 
ence to his removal ; a separation from his charge was amicably 
effected, and the college removed to Providence in May, 1770. 
Provision was made that while the President must forever be a 
Baptist, " into this liberal and Catholic institution shall never be 
admitted any religious tests, and the places of professors, tutors 
and all other officers, the President alone excepted, shall be free 
and open for all denominations of Protestants." The first Com- 
mencement at Providence was held in September, 1770, and 
among the graduates was Theodore Foster, afterwards a member 
of the United States Senate. In 1776 the college edifice was 
•turned into a bsrrack for the militia, and afterwards into a hospi- 
tal for the French Army, under command of Rochambeau. In 
addition to his duties as President of the College, Mr. Manning 
sustained the pastoral charge of the church in Providence, and at 
the dedication service in May, 1775, of the edifice which to this 
day remains, he preached from the text, " This is none other than 
the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 

In 1786 Mr. Manning was chosen to represent Rhode Island in 
the Continental Congress. The circumstances of his election 
were somewhat remarkable. Happening to step into the State 
House one afternoon, from motives of curiosity, while the General 
Assembly was there holding its session, his graceful and dignified 
air could not escape the attention o'f the members. There was a 
vacancy in the delegation to Congress, then to be filled ; and no 
onQ in particular had been proposed as a candidate. Shortly after 
Mr. Manning entered the room and took his seat, Commodore 
Hopkins, then a member of the Assembly, rose and nominated 
him as a Delegate to Congress, and the vote being taken, it was 
decisive in his favor. Mr. Hopkins afterwards said that the 
thought of such a nomination had never occurred to him, until he 



JAMES MANNING. 329 

saw Mr. Manning enter and take his seat on the floor of the 
Assembly. On receiving the appointment of Delegate, he obtained 
leave from the Corporation to be absent from college for the six 
months of his duties in Congress. It is not known to what extent 
he participated in the debates, as Congress sat with closed doors. 
It is inferred, however, that he was not only a deeply interested 
but an active member of the body. On one occasion he was 
brought into unpleasant collision with a Delegate from Georgia. 
This Delegate had made some offensive allusion to the New Eng- 
land States, and Mr. Manning repelled the attack. The man 
assumed a threatening tone, and appeared in Congress the next 
day with his sword by his side, with avowed intention of violence 
upon his antagonist. Such, however, were the demonstrations of 
the body, that before night he apologized to Mr. Manning for his 
offensive conduct. 

His views with regard to the National Constitution were open 
and bold. Attending as a visitor, in the year 1788, the Conven- 
tion that met in Boston for ratifying the instrument, just before 
the final vote. Governor Hancock, the President of the Conven- 
tion, called upon Mr. Manning to pray. He fell upon his knees, 
and offered a prayer in which patriotism and piety were blended, 
and which left a marked impression upon the Assembly. It was 
largely through his influence that Rhode Island eventually 
accepted the Constitution. 

Mr. Manning pens the following to Rev. John Ryland of North- 
ampton, England, from Providence, November 13, 1776: "Since 
I wrote you last, I have seen both glorious and gloomy days. 
The winter before last it pleased God to pour out his Spirit upon 
the people of this town in a most glorious manner. I believe 
about two hundred persons were converted within the space of 
a few months. I baptized more than one-half that number in less 
than a year. But the fatal nineteenth of April, the day of the 
Lexington battle, like an electric stroke, put a stop to the prog- 
ress of the work, as well in other places as here. Oh, horrid war ! 
How contrary to the spirit of Jesus ! May you never be alarmed, 
as we have been, with the roar of artillery, and the hostile flames 
destroying your neighbor's habitations." 

Rev. Dr. Rippon, of London, writes to Mr. Manning, in 1784 : 



330 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" r believe all our Baptist ministers in town except two, and most 
of our brethren in the country, were on the side of the Americans 
in the late dispute .... We wept when the thirsty plains drank 
the blood of your departed heroes, and the shout of a king was 
amongst us when your well-fought battles were crowned with vic- 
tory. And to this hour we believe that the independence of America 
will for a while secure the liberty of this country, and if that conti- 
nent had been reduced, Britain would not long have been free." 

At the College Commencement in September, 1789, Mr. 
Manning said : " Should the Christian ministr}', with any of you, 
become an object, reflect on the al^surdity of intruding into it 
while strangers tp experimental religion. See that you yourselves 
have been taught of God, before you attempt to teach godliness to 
others. To place in the professional chairs of our universities 
the most illiterate- of mankind, would be an absurdity far less 
glaring than to call an unconverted man to exercise the minis- 
terial function. This is to expose our holy religion to the scoffs 
of infidels, and furnish to their hands the most deadly weapons. 
I omit to insist on the account such must render in the great 
tremendous day." 

Mr. Manning married, in 1763, Margaret, daughter of John and 
Margaret Stiles, of Elizabethtown, N. J. She was not a professor 
of religion at the time of marriage, but during a revival under his 
preaching, became a hopeful convert, and was received into the 
fellowship of the Baptist church. 



JOHN MARSHALL. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES, 1801-1835.* 

Col. Thomas Marshall, father of John, was a Virginia planter 
of small fortune, and signalized himself during the Revolution, at 
Brandywine, where his regiment bore the brunt of the British 
assault, led by Cornwallis in person. 

John Marshall, the eldest of fifteen children, was born at Ger- 
mantown, Fauquier County, Virginia, September 24, 1755 ; died 
at Philadelphia, July 6, 1835. 

In his Autobiography, dated Richmond, March 22, 18 18, he 
writes : " I was educated at home under the direction of my 
father, who was a planter, but was often called from home as a 
surveyor. From my infancy I was destined for the Bar; but the 
contest between the mother country and the colonies drew me 
from my studies, and my father from the superintendence of them, 
and in September, 1775, I entered into the service as a subaltern. 
I continued in the army until the year 1781. . . . In the year 
1782 I was elected into the Legislature of Virginia, and in the fall 
session of the same year, was chosen a member of the Executive 
Council of that State. ... In April, 1784, I resigned my seat in 
the Executive Council, and came to the Bar, at which I continued, 
declining any other public office than a seat in the Legislature, 
until the year 1797, when I was associated with General Pinckney, 
and Mr. Gerry, in a mission to France. In 1798 I returned to 
the United States; and in the spring of 1799, was elected a mem- 
ber of Congress, a candidate for which, much against my inclina- 

* " Autobiography of John Marshall," pamphlet edition, Columbus, O., 1848 ; 
"Lives of the Chief-Justices," by Henry Flanders; Drake's " Dictionary of 
American Biography "; " Old Churches and Families of Virginia," by Bishop 
Meade. 

331 



332 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



tion, I was induced to become, by the request of General Wash- 
ington, At the close of the first session, I was nominated first to 
the Department of War, and afterwards to that of State, which last 
office I accepted, and in which I continued until the beginning of 
the year 1801, when, Mr. Ellsworth having resigned, and Mr. Jay 
having declined his appointment, I was nominated to the office of 
Chief-Justice, which I still hold." He served as Chief-Justice of 
the United Slates Supreme Court for the period of thirty-four 
years. 

" Judge Marshall was a sincere friend to religion, and a con- 
stant attendant upon its ministrations. Brought up in the Episco- 
pal Church, he adhered to it through life, though not until a short 
time before his death a believer in its fundamental doctrines." 

Rev. William Norwood in a letter to Bishop Meade writes : " I 
often visited Mrs. General Harvey during her last sickness. . . . 
She was much with her father (Judge Marshall) during the last 
months of his life, and told me that the reason why he never 
communed was, that he was a Unitarian in opinion, though he 
never joined their society. He told her that he believed in the 
truth of the Christian revelation, but not in the divinity of Christ ; 
therefore he could not commune in the Episcopal Church. But, 
during the last months of his life, he read Keith on Prophecy, 
where our Saviour's divinity is incidentally treated, and was con- 
vinced by his work, and the fuller investigation to which it led, of 
the supreme divinity of the Saviour. He determined to apply for 
admission to the communion of our Church — objected to commun- 
ion in private, because he thought it his duty to make a public 
confession of the Saviour ; and, while waiting for improved health 
to enable him to go to the church for that purpose, he grew worse, 
and died, without ever communing. Mrs. Harvey was a lady of 
the strictest probity, the most humble piety, and of a clear, dis- 
criminating mind, and her statement .... may be entirely relied 
on." 

" I can never forget," says Bishop Meade, " how he would pros- 
trate his tall form before the rude, low benches without backs, at 
the Cool Spring Meeting House, in the midst of his children and 
grandchildren, and his old neighbors. In Richmond he always 
set an example to the gentlemen of the same conformity, though 



JOIIN MARSHALL. 



JJJ 



many of them did not follow it. At the building of the Monumen- 
tal Church, he was much incommoded by the narrowness of the 
pews, which partook too much of the modern fashion. Not find- 
ing room for his whole body within the pew, he used to take his 
seat nearest the door of his pew, and throwing it open, let his legs 
stretch a little into the aisle." 

A kinsman of Mr. Marshall ofTers this testimony to his charac- 
ter. " He was the composer of strifes. He spoke ill of no man. 
He meddled not with their affairs. He viewed their worst deeds 
through the medium of charity. He had eight sisters and six 
brothers, with all of whom, from youth to age, his intercourse was 
marked by the utmost kindness and affection." 

Mr. Marshall married in January, 1873, Mary Willis, second 
daughter of Jacquelin Ambler, then Treasurer of Virginia. The 
strength of his domestic affection is revealed in the following 
tribute to the memory of Mrs. Marshall, penned by him December 
25, 1832. 

" This day of joy and festivity to the whole Christian world, is 
to my heart, the anniversary of the keenest affliction which human- 
ity can sustain. . . . On the 25th of December, 183 1, it was the 
will of Heaven to take to itself the companion who had sweetened 
the choicest part of my life, had rendered toil a pleasure, partaken 
of all my feelings, and was enthroned in the inmost recess of my 
heart .... From the moment of our union to that of our sep- 
aration, I never ceased to thank Heaven for this, its best gift. . . . 
'i'o manners uncommonly pleasing, she added a fine understand- 
ing, and the sweetest temper which can accompany a just and 
modest sense of what was due to herself. . . . Hers was the relig- 
ion taught by the Saviour of man. She was a firm believer in the 
faith inculcated by the Church — I'^piscopal — in which she was 
bred. . . ," 

Mr. Marshall published " Life of Washington," 180.5, second 
edition, 1832 ; " History of the Colonies planted by the English 
in North America," 1824. 



THOMAS MAYHEW. 

GOVERNOR OF MARTHa's VINEYARD.*' 

Thomas Mayhew, born in England, died in the year 1681, in the 
ninety-third year of his age. 

He was at one time a merchant in Southampton, came to New 
England in 1631; in 1636 resided at Watertown, Mass., and 
subsequently received and accepted an appointment as Governor 
of Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and the adjacent islands. 

The names of Governor Mayhew and his son, Rev. Thomas 
Mayhew, were intimately associated in benevolent work among 
the Indians. The latter lost his life at sea in the year 1657, the 
ship in which he took passage for England having never been 
heard from. " His excellent father, the Governor, now entered 
largely into his son's labors. He began himself, at the age of 
seventy, to preach to the natives as well as the English, some- 
times traveling on foot through the woods twenty miles in his 
work of love. He was instrumental in bringing the natives at 
Gayhead to receive the Gospel, though they had resisted all pre- 
vious efforts to evangelize them." 

After the death of the son. Rev. Thomas Mayhew, the commis- 
sioners for the united Colonies write to Governor Mayhew as fol- 
lows — modern spelling being observed : 

"Sir: 

" Yours of the 25th of the sixth month we received, and rejoice that it hath 
pleased God in any measure to bear up your heart under those sad thoughts 
and fears concerning your son, wherein we cannot but deeply sympathize with 
you ; and indeed do mind it as that which at the present seemeth to be almost 
irreparable. But He that is the Lord of the harvest will, we hope, send forth 

* Allen; Eliot; Sprague's " Annals of American Pulpit"; Hazard's " His- 
torical Collections." 

334 



THOMAS MAYHEW. 335 

his laborers thereunto; and you may assure yourself that we will use all dili- 
gence to make a supply as the Lord may direct us. We shall, according to 
your advice, move Mr. John Higenson and Mr. Pierson, but do greatly fear 
we shall not prevail unless the Lord strongly set in to persuade them. In the 
mean time we think that God doth call for your more than ordinary assistance 
in this work, and are very well pleased that your spirit is so far inclined there- 
unto. . . We have ordered your last year's payment, twenty pounds, and shall 
be ready to increase for the future. . . We know not that your son was advised 
by any of us to go into England (but dissuaded) ; only it is possible some might 
say it might in some respects be of good use. It is what God, who is deep in 
counsel, had determined, and must be submitted unto. We could show you 
that you mistake in saying that he received one hundred and twenty pounds, 
or thereabouts, had we time to enlarge ; but we do not think he had too much 
here, and his greatest reward is behind. Concerning the Indian boys you 
speak of sending, .... we advise they may not be sent until the spring ; for the 
training of the Indians, and furnishing them with guns, powder, and shot, we 
are not free. . . . Not having more at present we commend you and this work 
to God's grace and blessing. 

" Your loving friend, 

" John Endicott, President, 
" In the name and by the consent of the rest of the Commissioners." 
" Boston, i6th September, 1658." 

The descendants of Governor Mayhew, from generation to 
generation, appear to have been persons of remarkable piety and 
usefulness. 

Thomas Mayhew the second, left three sons, Matthew, Thomas 
and John. Matthew succeeded his grandfather in the govern- 
ment of the island in 168 1, and also occasionally preached to the 
Indians. Thomas was a Judge of the Common Pleas for the 
County. John entered the University and preached to the English 
and the Indians on the island of Martha's Vineyard ; and for sev- 
eral years received but five pounds annually for his services. He 
gathered an Indian church of a hundred members. His eldest 
son, Experience Mayhew, also entered the ministry and preached 
to the Indians, taking the charge of five or six different congrega- 
tions. As he had a thorough knowledge of the Indian language 
— having been familiar with it from his infancy — he was employed 
by the commissioners of the society for propagating the Gospel in 
New England, to make a new version of the Psalms, and of the 
Gospel of John, which work he executed with great accuracy, com- 
pleting it in 1709. He died November 20, 1758, aged eighty-five. 



336 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

His publications were as follows: Sermons entitled "All mankind 
by nature equally under sin," 1724 ; " Indian Converts " (in which 
he gives an account of the lives of thirty Indian ministers and 
about eighty Indian men, women and youth, worthy of remem- 
brance on account of their piety) 1727; "Indian Narratives," 
1729 ; " A Letter on the Lord's Supper," 1741. 



GEORGE BRINTON McCLELLAN. 

GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY, 1877-1880.* 

George McClellan, father of George B., of Scotch descent, 
graduated at Yale College in 1816, at the medical department of 
the University of Pennsylvania in 1819; became a successful 
physician and surgeon, and was Professor of Surgery in Jefferson 
College from 1826 to 1838. 

George Brinton McClellan was born in Philadelphia, December 
3, 1826; died at his home at St. Cloud, Orange Mountain, N. J., 
October 27, 1885. 

He studied two years at the University of Pennsylvania, entered 
the West Point Military Academy in 1842, and graduated in 1846, 
taking the first rank in the department of engineering. 

He served in the war with Mexico ; in 1847 entered West 
Point as an Instructor, and prepared a "Manual on Bayonet 
Exercise," which became a text-book in the service; in 1852 
accompanied General Marcy as engineer on his expedition to 
Texas ; in 1853 was detailed to explore the route for the western 
portion of the Pacific Railroad, his report forming the first volume 
of " Pacific Railroad Surveys," published by Government. 

At the opening of the Civil War, he was appointed Major- 
General of Volunteers in Ohio; in the summer of 1861, was 
appointed by President Lincoln Major-General of the Regular 
Army, and in the autumn, on the retirement of General Scott, 
enfeebled by age, was made General-in-chief. In this capacity 
he reorganized the army, and reported a force of about one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand men. He found among his materials, 
courage, patriotism, intelligence and physical energy, and he went 
to work to institute obedience and discipline. He surrendered 

♦Drake's "Dictionary of American Biography"; Lanman ; Boston Re- 
carder. 

337 
22 



338 A MEKICA N CHRIS TIA N RUL ERS. 

his charge to General Burnside, November 7, 1862, "feeling that 
he had been wrongfully treated by men who did not know his 
plans." 

In 1864 he was a candidate for the Presidency against Mr. 
Lincoln. In 1877 he was elected Governor of New Jersey, and 
held the office until 1880. 

Early m the war Mr. McClellan sought a religious interview 
with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Thompson, of Cincinnati. " Mr. 
Thompson unfolded to him the way of salvation, as set forth in 
the Scripture .... They both kneeled, and Mr. Thompson 
prayed. At the close of this prayer, Mr. McClellan remained 
upon his knees. After about two minutes passed in silence, Mr. 
Thompson, who continued also kneeling, laid his hand upon the 
General's shoulder, and said : ' McClellan, pray for yourself.' The 
young soldier began almost in smothered tones, to pour out his 
soul to God; and when he rose there was a glow in his counte- 
nance. 'I had already,' said he, 'given myself to my country ; 
but now I give myself to God, and pray that he will use me for 
my country's good.' " 

Says the New York Evangelist, of November 5, 1885, "Mr. 
McClellan possessed an admirable private character, as shown in 
all the relations of life. He was a sincere and exemplary Chris- 
tian. Many of us recall that Sabbath day, when, just returned 
from the field, he rose before the pulpit in which stood the beloved 
Dr. Adams, and took the vows of God upon him. Of that church 
he remained a member as long as he lived. There, when in the 
city, he was always in his place on the Sabbath ; there he sat at 
the Communion table." 

Mr. McClellan married the daughter of R. B, Marcy, and a son 
and daughter survived him. His home on Orange Mountain was 
adorned with many objects of art. 



JOHN McLEAN. 

JUSTICE OF UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, 1830-1861.* 

The father of Mr. McLean was a poor man with a large family. 
In 1789 he moved from New Jersey to the West, settling first at 
Morganstown, Va., afterward near Nicholasville, Ky., and finally 
in 1797, in what is now Warren County, Ohio. Here he cleared 
a farm upon which he resided forty years. 

John McLean was born in Morris County, New Jersey, March 
II, 1785 ; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 4, 1861. 

His early advantages were limited, and he labored on the farm 
until sixteen years of age. When eighteen years of age he went 
to Cincinnati and commenced the study of law under direction 
of Arthur St. Clair, maintaining himself by writing in the office of 
the clerk of the county. Admitted to the Bar in the autumn of 
1807, he commenced practice at Lebanon, Warren County Ohio. 

He was elected Representative to Congress in 1812 ; from 1816 
to 1822 was Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio ; in 1823 was 
appointed United States Postmaster-General. The department 
being in an inefficient condition, he secured order, vigor and 
economy. The salary of the office was raised from $4000 to 
$6000. He was appointed by President Jackson a Justice of the 
United States Supreme Court in 1829, entered upon his duties at 
January term, and held the office thirty-one years. 

Says Rev. Dr. D. W. Clark, of Mr. McLean's early religious ex- 
perience : "Through the instrumentality of tliat eminent minister 
of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Rev. John Collins, he was brought 
from a slate of sceptical doubt and unbelief, into the enjoyment 
of the clear sunlight of the truth and faith of the Gospel." 

♦Appleton; Drake; Lamiiau ; "Discourses," William B. Sprague; D. W. 
Clark. 

339 



340 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Says Rev. Dr. Sprague : " Not only was he a diligent student 
of God's Word, but you saw at once that he was familiar with the 
best writers on practical Religion. . . . The morning that I left 
his pleasant dwelling, I was obliged to rise early as I had to ride 
three or four miles ; but notwithstanding the haste incident to my 
departure, he proposed that we should not part, till we had knelt 
together once more at the domestic altar. Judge McLean was, 
during his whole religious life, a Methodist ; but a Christian of 
nobler type, or one who was more at home in heavenly places 
than he, you would have to search for, a long time before you 
would find him." 

He was twice married, first to Rebecca Edwards. A daughter 
and two sons by this marriage survived him. John McLean, Jr., 
became clerk of the United States Supreme Court. His second 
wife was Mrs. Garrard, daughter of Israel Ludlow. 



SAMUEL MILLER. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN VERMONT LEGISLATURE, 1 797-* 

Samuel Miller was born in West Springfield, Mass., in 1764; 
died at Middlebury, Vt., April 17, 1810. 

" At the age of twelve years, his father, who was a shoemaker, 
put him to learning his own trade. This, together with agricul- 
ture, for which he entertained through life a peculiar fondness, 
constituted his early employment." 

He applied himself to books, and without instruction gained a 
considerable knowledge of geometry, navigation and survey- 
ing. 

In 1785 he began the study of law in Wallingford, Vt. ; 
was licensed to practice by the Rutland County Court at their 
March term in 1789; and in May following settled in Middlebury. 

He represented the town in the State Legislature in the year 
1797 , was one of the founders of Middlebury College ; and was a 
member of the Vermont Missionary Society. In the year 1801, 
the Corporation of Yale College conferred on him the honorary 
degree of Master of Arts. 

"In the fall of the year 1805, when surrounded by worldly 
prosperity, when religion could not be said to be fashionable in 
Middlebury, and when no earthly motive can be conceived to have 
influenced his determination, he made a public profession of his 
faith, and avowed himself an humble follower of the cross. From 
that time he took a very active and decided part in the cause of 
his Lord and Master." 

To a friend in Boston, he writes from Middlebury, December 6, 
1809: "This village has, for six or eight weeks past, thanks to 

* " Vermont Adviser," v. 2 ; " Panoplist " ; Librarian of State Library. 

341 



342 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RUIERS. 

the God of all grace, experienced an effusion of the Holy Spirit, 
in a most remarkable degree. I have no knowledge of a more 
powerful work of Divine grace, in any part of New England. It 
has hitherto been confined to this village, and almost entirely to 
a circle not exceeding half a mile each way from the meeting- 
house. It is principally among the youth of both sexes. The 
college has shared largely in the blessing. There has been 
nothing enthusiastic or wild; but it is a still, yet solemn thing . . 
No particular external means had been used, to which infidels can 
ascribe this work. Their mouths appear to be stopped, and little 
opposition is made. Some who have been most accustomed to 
oppose, and express their bitterness against Christians, are sub- 
jects of the work. We have hopes of fifty or sixty, as already 
enjoying the blessing of a new heart. The college at this time 
consists of about eighty students, seventeen of whom were pro- 
fessors of religion before this recent attention. They now reckon 
nearly fifty. Let me solicit the prayers of yourself, and all your 
Christian friends, that God will be pleased to continue the present 
glorious effusions of his Spirit among us, and that the same may 
spread through the world." 

To Middlebury College, Mr. Miller made liberal gifts ; and by 
his will, he bequeathed to the Congregational Society of the town, 
oile thousand dollars ; to the Vermont Missionary Society, five 
hundred dollars. 



EDWIN DENNISON MORGAN. 

GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, 1858-1862.* 

James Morgan, the first American ancestor, was born in 
Wales 1607; came to Boston with two younger brothers, 1636; 
removed to Pequot, now New London, Conn. ; seven years later 
removed to Groton, Mass., where he died in 1685, 

Edwin D. Morgan, in the eighth generation of this descent, 
was born in Washington, Berkshire County, Mass., February, 
181 1 ; died in New York, February 14, 1883. 

In 1822 the father, Jasper Morgan, removed with his family to 
Windsor, Conn. Edwin in his early years worked at farming, 
and in winter attended the village school. At the age of seven- 
teen he became a clerk for his uncle, Nathan Morgan, a whole- 
sale grocer in Hartford, with fifty dollars compensation the first 
year, seventy-five dollars the second, and one hundred dollars 
the third. His excellent habits, energy and ability, won favor 
with his employer. Before the expiration of his third year of 
service he made his first visit to New York, and was directed 
to make purchases of tea, sugar and other articles, and a fair 
amount of corn. On his return he showed his uncle samples of 
the corn he had bought, and mentioned that as it was selling low, 
hfi had purchased three cargoes. In those days in Hartford that 
was considered an enormous investment, and the uncle declared 
that he was ruined. " Very well," said the clerk, "you needn't 
father the transaction if you don't want to, for I have already 
sold two cargoes of it at a handsome profit." The next morning 
young Edwin was called into the counting-room and informed 
that thereafter he should have an interest in the business as a 
partner. In 1836 he removed to New York, where he established 

* New York Tril>iine; New York Evangelist; Rev. II. J. Van Dyke. 

343 



344 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

with partners a grocery and commission business, at No. 63 
Front Street. 

In 1849 Mr. Morgan was chosen an Alderman of New York; in 
the same year was elected to the State Senate ; in 1858 he was 
elected Governor of New York, re-elected in i860, and was a 
Senator in Congress from 1863 to 1869. 

He served as director of the Western Union Telegraph Com- 
pany, the National Bank of Commerce, and the United States 
Trust Company. 

Mr. Morgan was a member of the Brick Presb}^terian Church, 
Fifth Avenue and Thirty-seventh Street, New York. Said his 
pastor. Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke, " His faith was the deepest 
source of his strength, the sure pillar of his integrity, the fountain 
of his kindness and beneficence, the light and comfort of his 
declining day," 

Among the gifts of this individual was $88,000 for the building' 
of a hall at Williams College, and in 1880 $200,000 toward the 
erection of a building for the library of Union Theological Semi- 
nary. 

He bequeathed $3,000 to the American Bible Society, $3,000 to 
the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 
$3000 to the American Home Missionary Societ}', $2000 to the 
American Sunday School Union, $1000 to the American Seamen's 
Friend Society. 

" In appearance Mr. Morgan M'as tall, dignified and well pro- 
portioned, with gray hair and side whiskers, and with a somewhat 
aristocratic bearing. His features were large and noticeable, and 
the general expression of his countenance indicated great strength 
of character." 

In 1833 he was united in marriage to Eliza M., daughter of 
Henry Waterman, a merchant in Hartford. They had one son, 
Edwin C. Morgan, who died in October, 1881, leaving an only son, 
Edwin D. Morgan, Jr. 



. NATHANIEL MORTON. 

SECRETARY OF PLYMOUTH COLONY, 1645-1685.* 

George Morton, father of Nathaniel, was a resident of Auster- 
field, Northern England, and came to Plymouth, Mass., with his 
family, in 1623. His wife was Sarah, sister of Governor Bradford, 
and their children were Nathaniel, John, Patience and Ephraim. 

Nathaniel Morton was born in England in 1612 ; died at Ply- 
mouth, Mass., June 23, 1685. 

He came to America with his father in July, 1623 ; in 1645 
was elected Clerk or Secretary to the Colony Court, and continued 
in office until his death, a period of forty years. He published a 
work in 1669, with title page bearing the following : 

" New England's Memorial : or a brief relation of the most memorable and 
remarkable passages of the Providence of God, manifested to the Planters 
of New England in America: with special reference to the first Colony thereof, 
called New Plymouth. 

" Deut. viii. 2, 16. — ' And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord 
thy God led thee, this forty years in the wilderness.' " 

Six editions of the work were published; the first at Cambridge, 
1669; second, Boston, 1721; third, Newport, 1772; fourth, Ply- 
mouth ; fifth, with notes by John Davis, Boston, 1826 ; sixth, with 
notes by the Congregational Board, Boston, 1855. 

Mr. Morton held a kind appreciation of worthy ministers of the 
Gospel. Of Rev. Mr. Lothrop, first pastor of the church in Scitu- 
ate, he writes : " He was a man of a humble heart, lively in dis- 
pensation of the Word of God, studious of peace, furnished with 
godly contentment." Of Rev. Thomas Shepard, first pastor of 
the church in Cambridge : " He was a soul-searchins: minister of 



* John Davi.-;, in " New England's Memorial "; Sprague's " Annals of Amer- 
ican Pulpit." 



345 



346 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

the Gospel," Of Rev. Jonathan Mitchell, who succeeded Mr. 
Shepard at Cambridge : " He was a person that held very near 
communion with God ; eininent in wisdom, humility, love, self- 
denial, of a compassionate and tender heart, a mighty man in 
prayer." 

Mr. Morton was married first to Lydia Cooper, by whom he 
had eight children, two sons who died in childhood, and six 
daughters, all of whom were married in Mr. Morton's lifetime ; 
second, to a widow, named Ann Templar, of Charlestown. 



FREDERIC NASH. 

JUDGE OF SUPREME COURT OF NORTH CAROLINA, 1844-1858.* 

Abner Nash, of Welsh descent, father of Frederic, was Gov- 
ernor of North Carolina in 1779, was member of the Continental 
Congress from 1782 to 1786. 

Frederic Nash was born at Newberne, N. C, February 9, 
1781 ; died at Hillsborough, December 4, 1858. 

He graduated at New Jersey College in 1799, and entered the 
profession of the law. He served several years in the North Car- 
olina Legislature ; was a Judge of the Superior Court from 1818 to 
1826 ; and from 1836 to 1844, when he was made Judge of the 
Supreme Court. 

He reveals his interest in matters of religion in a letter which 
he penned concerning Rev. Robert H.' Chapman, and recorded 
in Sprague's " Annals," as follows : 

" Raleigh, February 17, 1857. 
"... I knew Dr. Chapman well and loved him much. When he came to 
this State to preside over our college he resided with me nearly three months 
before he went to Chapel Hill. . . . Not specially calculated to shine as a 
professor, the pulpit was his appropriate place. More highly gifted with 
power on his knees than any man I ever knew, his public prayers warmed the 
hearts of all who heard him. I have met with no man, unless perhaps the late 
Dr. Nettleton was an exception, who seemed to me to exceed Dr. Cliapman 
in a deep and spiritual acquaintance with the Word of God. . . ." 



* Wheeler's "History of North Carolina "j Lanman; Sprague. 



347 



FRANCIS NICHOLSON. 

GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, 1690-1692.* 

" History of the Narragansett Church,'' page 392, presents 
Mr. Nicholson in brief as follows : 

"The original founder, and first principal patron of Trinity 
Church, in Newport, was Sir Francis Nicholson, He was by 
profession a soldier ; was Lieutenant-Governor of New York 
under Sir Edmond Andros, and at the head of the administration 
of that colony from 1687 to 1690, at which time he was appointed 
Governor of Virginia, and held the office two years. From 1694 
to 1699, he was Governor of Maryland, after which he was again 
Governor of Virginia. He commanded the British forces sent to 
Canada in 17 10, and took the important fortress of Port Royal. 
In 1713 he became Governor of Nova Scotia, and in 1720 Gov- 
ernor of Carolina. He returned to England in June, 1725, and 
died in London in 1728." 

From all that history reveals, Mr. Nicholson, it would seem, 
was a man of humble spirit and of large benevolence. 

"Account of the building of St. Paul's Church, Chester, 
Province of Pennsylvania," reveals the following : 

" . . . . There is yet one generous patron and benefactor to 
the whole infant church in North America, 'twere a crime to for- 
get or conceal. We. mean the Hon. Francis Nicholson, whose lib- 
erality to this and other churches on this main, deserves the high- 
est encomium. We may safely say no man parted more freely 
with his money to promote the interest of the Church in these 
parts, nor contributed so universally towards the erection of Chris- 
tian synagogues in different and distant plantations of America." 

*" History of the Narragansett Church"; "Historical Collections, Amer- 
ican Colonial Church, Pennsylvania " ; Same, Massachusetts. 

34S 



FRANCIS NICHOLSON: 349 

A communication to the " Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts," dated London, 1707, and signed by 
Evan Evans, contains a similar paragraph. 

" .... Nor must I omit among the number of benefactors, 
the noble and generous Colonel Nicholson, who has by his large 
contributions and other remarkable instances of his zeal for the 
glory of God and good of souls, shown of what advantage to 
religion the influence and example of one good man is." 

One more communication and in the same line. 

" We return you humble thanks for the twenty pounds we have 
received from General Nicholson, whose piety and unbounded 
charity needs no encomium." 



MOSES FIELD ODELL 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1861-1865.* 

Mr. Odell, orHuguenot descent, was born in Tarrytown, N. Y., 
February 24, 1818; died in New Yorl< City, June 13, 1866. 

He received a common school education, engaged in business 
as a clerk, and served as Assistant Collector of New York City 
under President Polk. 

In 1861 he was elected a Representative from New York to the 
Thirty-seventh Congress, serving as Chairman of the Committee 
on the Treasury Department ; was re-elected to Congress, and 
served on the Committee on Military Affairs. In 1865 he was 
appointed by President Johnson Navy Agent for the port of New 
York. 

He was a man of rare business habits, and universally re- 
spected. His total abstinence principles were known at Washing- 
ton as well as at home. He was religiously trained and a member 
of the Sunday-school from his childhood. 

"He gave his heart to God when twenty-eight years of* age, 
became connected with the Sands Street Methodist Church, 
Brooklyn, and was its Sunday-school Superintendent. He was a 
good singer, and pre-eminently successful as a leader of social 
meetings. For a number of years he was actively connected with 
the Missionary Board." 

" Many successful business men have said: 'He gave me 
counsel and assistance, when I was one of his Sunday-school 
boys,' * He was the best friend I ever had.' " 

* Lanman's " Biographical Annals " ; Warriner's " History of the Old 
Sands Street Methodist Church," Brooklyn. 



350 



/7 hi I ' ' ^ J 




GENERAL OGLETHORPE. 



JAMES EDWARD OGLETHORPE. 

FOUNDER OF GEORGIA, 1 733-* 

Theophilus Oglethorpe, father of James Edward, was Major- 
General of the army of King James the Second, and a member of 
Parliament. In religious opinions he was a Protestant. He pur- 
chased a seat called West Brook Place, in Surrey County, a little 
to the south and east of London. He married Eleanor, daughter 
of Richard Wall, of Ragane, in Ireland, by whom he had seven 
children, three sons and four daughters. Lewis, the eldest son, 
inherited his father's estate. 

James Edward Oglethorpe, third son of Theophilus, was born 
in London, December, 1698; died at Cranham Hall, Essex 
County, June 30, 1785. The parish register of St. James, London, 
which gives the date of his birth, records his baptism as occurr- 
ing the day following his birth. 

In early manhood he was employed in military service on the 
continent. In 1722 he returned to England, and in the same year 
was elected to Parliament from the borough of Hazelmere, which 
he continued to represent for a long term of years. 

In June, 1732, twenty-one individuals, among them five clergy- 
men of the established church, became a body corporate, by the 
name and style of " Trustees for establishing the colony of Geor- 
gia in America." Having obtained their charter, they held a 
meeting in July, and organized themselves according to the pro- 
visions of the instrument. Men were appointed to solicit and 
receive subscriptions. The Trustees met every week to receive 
benefactions and digest plans. 

* "Georgia Historical Collections," v. I ; Stephens' "History of Georgia"; 
McCall's " History of Georgia"; Strobel's "History of the Salzburgers "; 
" Biographies of Oglethorpe, Harris, Wright." 



352 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

On the third of October it was resolved to send over a company 
of a hundred and fourteen persons, men, women and children. 
The company was to comprise " such as were in decayed circum- 
stances, and thereby disabled from following any business in 
England, and who if in debt had leave from their creditors, and 
such as were recommended by their ministers, churchwardens, 
and overseers of their respective parishes." 

On the sixteenth of November, these emigrants embarked on 
board the ship Anne^ Captain Thomas, accompanied by Mr. 
Oglethorpe, going forth at his own expense, Rev. Dr. Herbert, 
who volunteered his services as missionary, and a gentleman from 
Piedmont, engaged by the Trustees to instruct the peojDle in the 
art of winding silk. 

" The friends of the undertaking put on board this first ship, 
one hundred and fifteen Bibles and Testaments, one hundred and 
sixteen Common 'Prayer Books, seventy-two Psalters, three hun- 
dred and twelve Catechisms, fifty-six copies of Bishop Gibson's 
Family Devotions, beside four hundred and thirty-seven other 
religious volomes." 

Their ship arrived at Charleston January 13, 1733. Mr. Ogle- 
thorpe was clothed with power to exercise the functions of a Gov- 
ernor over the new colony. 

From camp near Savannah, the tenth of February, he writes a 
letter to the Trustees in London, and says : " Our people arrived 
at Beaufort on the twentieth of January, where I lodged them in 
some new barracks, whilst I went myself to view the Savannah 
river, I fixed upon a healthy situation about ten miles from the 
sea." 

He soon writes another letter to the Trustees and says : '* Our 
people are all in perfect health. I chose the situation for the 
town upon high' ground — the soil dry and sandy — and springs 
coming out of the side of the hill. I pitched upon this place not 
only for the pleasantness of the situation, but because I thought it 
healthy. It is sheltered from the western and southern winds 
(the worst in this country) by vast woods of pine trees, many of 
which are a hundred feet high.'' 

A small fort was erected on the bank of the Savannah river, 
and some guns were mounted. The men began at once to fell 



JAMES EDWARD OGLETHORPE. 353 

trees and build huts, while Oglethorpe encouraged them by per- 
sonal exposure and work. 

He formed them into a company of militia, appointed officers 
and furnished them with arms. He exercised them from time to 
time in presence of tlie Indians, and as they had been disciplined 
in London, they performed their exercises with skill. 

Having put his colony in condition for comfort and defence, he 
next undertook to deal with the natives for a share of their landed 
possessions. He found an Indian woman named Mary, who had 
married a trader from Carolina by the name of Musgrove, and who 
could speak both the English and Creek languages. Perceiving 
that she might be made useful as an interpreter, he first purchased 
her friendship with presents, and then allowed her a salary of one 
hundred pounds a year, as reward for her services. By her assist- 
ance, he summoned a meeting of the chiefs to hold a congress 
with him at Savannah. At this congress fifty chiefs were present. 
He pictured to them the power, wisdom and wealth of the English 
nation, and the advantages that would accrue to themselves from 
connection and friendship. As they had plenty of lands, he hoped 
they would freely resign a share of them to his people, who were 
come to settle among them for their benefit and instruction. 
Having distributed some presents, which was then considered as 
a necessary preliminary to a treaty of peace, an agreement was 
instituted. 

Tamochichi, in the name of the Creek Nation, addressed Mr. 
Oglethorpe as follows : 

" Here is a little present. I give you a Buffalo's skin, adorned 
on the inside with the head and feathers of an Eagle ; which I 
desire you to accept, because the Eagle is an emblem of speed and 
the Buffalo of strength. The English are swift as the bird and 
strong as the beast ; since like the former they flew over vast seas 
to the uttermost parts of the earth, and like the latter they are 
so strong that nothing can withstand them. The feathers of the 
Eagle are soft, and signify love ; the Buffalo's skin is warm and 
signifies protection ; therefore I hope the English will love and 
protect their little families." 

Oglethorpe accepted the present, and a treaty was concluded to 
the satisfaction of both parties. 
23 



354 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Taking with him a n,umber of Indians and other persons, Mr. 
Oglethorpe departed from Savannah in the winter of 1734, and 
arrived in England early the following spring. The Trustees 
were encouraged by his representations concerning the new 
colony, and took steps to secure further emigration. Their 
funds had increased by a grant from the British Parliament of 

;^26,000. • 

In July, 1735, they announced that provision would be made for 
transportation of a given number of suitable persons. To the 
Salzburgers in Germany they made special overtures. They 
invited one hundred from the city of Ratisbon to remove to 
Georgia, engaging to give them a free pas^ge, with an ample 
supply of sea stores, and a freehold of fifty acres of land to each 
settler ; together with such an outfit of clothes, tools, and farm- 
ing utensils* as might be deemed necessary. They chartered 
two ships, the Symond of two hundred tons, and the London 
Merchant, of the same burden. . Two hundred and twenty-seven 
names in all were enrolled. Among the company were twenty- 
seven Moravians, under care of one of their bishops, the Rev. 
David Aitschman ; Mr. Oglethorpe himself ; and Messrs. John 
and Charles Wesley, the former by invitation of Oglethorpe, to 
engage in the work of the Gospel among the Indians. 

The Spaniards laid claim to Georgia, and an invasion 
occurred. 

Their force comprised one regiment of dismounted dragoons, 
a Havana battalion consisting of ten companies of fifty men 
each, ten of one hundred men each of Havana militia, one 
regiment of artillery, one of St, Augustine militia, one of ne- 
groes officered by negroes, one battalion of mulattoes, ninety 
Indians, six hundred marines, and one thousand seamen ; making 
in all a force of over five thousand men, commanded by Montiano, 
Governor of St. Augustine, and brought to Georgia in fifty-six 
vessels. The command of Oglethorpe consisted of only six hun- 
dred and fifty-two men, including Indians and militia. 

For fifteen days Oglethorpe resisted the enemy, and at last com- 
pelled him to retreat. Concerning this victory, the Rev. George 
Whitefield remarks; "The deliverance of Georgia from the Span- 
iards is such as cannot be paralleled, but by some instances out 



JAMES EDWARD OGLEr/fOKPE. 355 

of the Old Testament." Oglethorpe received congratulations from 
Governors of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
Virginia and North Carolina. And by reason of this victory, he 
issued a proclamation for a day of public thanksgiving. 

"Almighty God has at all times displayed his power and mercy .... in the 
protection of godly rulers and people, who have acknowledged and served him. 
They came out against us ... . but fear came upon them, and they fled at his 
rebuke. . . . Not our strength or insight hath saved us, our salvation is of 
the Lord. ... I hereby appoint that the twenty-fifth day of this month 
should be held as a day of public thanksgiving to Almighty God for his 
great deliverance, and the end that is put to this Spanish invasion. And I 
enjoin that every one observe this festival in a Christian and godly manner ; 
abstaining from intemperance and e.vcess, and from all extravagant signs of 
rejoicing. 

" Given under my hand and seal, this twenty-first day of July, at Fredrica, in 
Georgia, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty- 
two. 

" James Oglethorpe." 

In the year 1743 Oglethorpe left Georgia for England. He 
served several years as member of Parliament, devoting his 
vacations to his estate. In 1765 he was made General of all his 
Majesty's forces, and for many years was at the head of the army 
list as the oldest general officer in Great Britain. 

Hannah More, writing to her sister, thus speaks of Oglethorpe, 
when he is past eighty years old : " I have got a new admirer, 
and we flirt together prodigiously .... The finest figure you 
ever saw. , . . His literature is great, his knowledge of the 
world is extensive, and his faculties as bright as ever." 

" Oglethorpe's self-denial and humility, his concern for the wel- 
fare of others, his varied knowledge and experience, the simplicity 
and dignity of his conduct, together with his chivalrous spirit and 
unfeigned piety, have but few parallels in the history of human 
life." 

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth, only daughter of 
Nathan Wright. " Many and continual were her acts of charity 
and benevolence." 



DANIEL OLIVER. 

MEMBER OF HIS MAJESTy's COUNCIL, MASSACHUSETTS.* 

Capt. Peter Oliver, father of Daniel, "was a gentleman of 
good repute in his day, and one of the principal founders of the 
South or Third Church in Boston, May, 1669." 

Daniel Oliver, youngest son of the above, was born in Boston, 
February, 1663 ; died there July, 1732. 

" He was for many years a Justice of the Peace, was one of 
his Majesty's Council for the Province, was also one of the most 
considerable merchants of Boston." 

"He was born of religious parents, and the Spirit of Grace 
wrought and bent his heart for God in his early days." 

" His custom was to rise up very early, and to read the Scrip- 
tures and other books of piety, alone, and pray and converse with 
God." 

" His family, with the happy assistance of his worthy consort, 
he always kept in excellent order. Here he not only daily read 
the Scripture and prayed, but he charged his household to walk in 
the paths of piety." 

" He first and early begins with religion ; he then with forecast, 
care, and diligence, applies himself to his secular business." 

" He loved and chose the religious for his dear companions. 
He avQided the taverns as places of great temptation and expense 
of time. When others resorted to them, he chose rather to go 
wherever he heard of any exercise of piety." 

" He loved the conversation of ministers and sober scholar.^. 
His table was always free." 

" He had nothing of an overbearing or assuming spirit. His 
words in conversation were not many, but wise. And there was 

* " Discourse," by Rev. Thomas Prince. 
356 



DANIEL OLIVER. 35/ 

an unusual mixture of strictness and gentleness in him. The lat- 
ter so tempered the former as took off all its disagreeable view. 
And we were rather ashamed than afraid of his reprehensions." 

" He was remarkable for attending the lectures in the neighbor- 
ing towns, by which he at once relieved himself of the weight of 
business, promoted the health both of body and soul, informed 
himself of the state of Religion and Providence, and met with 
fresh occasions of doing some good. And he had so careful and 
exact a foresight, and so happy a faculty in ordering matters, 
that as he went out in season, he returned in season, and let not 
his business suffer or run behindhand, by his going abroad. 
There was no moving him from his exact and regular manner of 
living." 

" He was always noted for being strictly just and punctual in 
all his dealings. Some thought him rather too nice in this to 
a penny. Considerate in making a promise, conscientious to 
remember and keep his word, and to discharge the trusts both of 
a public and private nature, which either the Town or Govern- 
ment, or his friends, had reposed in him." 

" He was remarkably careful for paying his laborers, when they 
first came for their dues. And he would often rebuke his friends 
for putting them off, and tell them : — The poor's time was their 
money and their necessary subsistence : and 'twas a great injus- 
tice and hardship therefore, to make them spend their time in 
coming for what was their own, for what they had earned, and 
'twas likely very much wanted." 

" He was of a very sympathizing heart. He used to finish his 
secular business by Saturday noon, and spend the rest of the 
day in visiting the sick in the neighborhood." 

" There was no employment in which he took more pleasure than 
in being Overseer of the Poor of the Town. He would often visit 
them and inquire into their cases ; especially in times of sickness 
and sorrow. The meanest was not beneath his notice. He was 
concerned especially for the training up of their offspring, to 
reading, religion and business. He has sometimes himself main- 
tained a school of thirty of their children ; and he excited others 
to follow him in the same kind of extensive charity. He built a 
considerable house for the purpose at his own expense." 



358 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" Lowl}^ in his own eyes ; backward to appear and speak in 
public; scarce persuaded to continue in his Majesty's Council, 
lest he should hinder the choice of others whom he thought more 
able to serve his country there." 

Mr. Oliver married in April, 1696, Elizabeth, second daughter 
of Andrew Belcher, father of Governor Belcher, by whom he had 
three sons, Daniel, Andrew and Peter. " He brought up all his 
sons to the college." The Boston Gazette of June 2, 1735, thus 
speaks of Mrs. Oliver, "To her excellent good sense and wit 
and superior education, she added all the ornaments and virtues 
of the Christian life. She was admired for her rare discretion, her 
excellent economy. . . . She abounded in pity and charity to 
those who wanted ; was a faithful and beneficent friend ; dis- 
charged all the offices of a wife and mother in such a manner as 
to be an eminent pattern to others. In her exalted station she 
greatly honored religion, by despising the growing vanities of 
the present age, by a constant and grave attendance on all the 
duties of divine worship, by countenancing the ministers of it, and 
by a regular life." The Rev. Mr. Prince thus speaks of her last 
sickness : " She expressed a lively faith and hope in the All-merci- 
ful and Almighty Saviour. . . . To her brother, the Governor, 
when expressing the hope of her reviving and recovery the night 
before her departure, she said: ^ No ! Brother^ not for a thousand 
zvorlds!''' 



TIIEOPIIILUS PARSONS. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1806-1813.* 

Moses Parsons, father of Theophilus, a native of Gloucester, 
graduated at Harvard College in 1736, taught a school at 
Gloucester, and in the mean time studied theology under the 
direction of the minister of the place, Rev. John White. "Suc- 
cessful as a teacher, he rendered important service to his pupils 
as a spiritual guide in a season of unusual attention to religion." 
He was ordained pastor of the church at Byfield, Mass., in 1744, 
and continued his ministry with this people nearly forty years. 
He married Susanna Davis, of Gloucester, by whom he had nine 
children, six sons and three daughters. " As an instance how 
times have changed," says his grandson, " I may say that on a 
salary of one hundred pounds lawful money, $S33-33, aiid a good 
farm, he educated three sons in Harvard College, and always 
lived liberally, and entertained a great deal of company." 

Theophilus Parsons was born at Byfield in 1750 ; died at Boston 
in 1813. 

He graduated at Harvard College, studied law with Judge 
Bradbury, of Falmouth, Me., at the same time taught the grammar 
school of the place, and in 1777 opened an office in Newburyport. 
Here his practice increased until it embraced most of the New 
England States. 

In 1779 he was a member of the convention which formed the 
constitution of Massachusetts, and in 1789 was member of the 
State convention which adopted the constitution of the United 
States. 

In 1800 he removed to Boston, and in 1806 assumed the 

* Sprague's "Annals of the American Pulpit"; "Memoir of Theophilus 
Parsons," by his Son. 

359 



360 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

duties of Chief-Justice, using tliis language: " I have concluded 
to accept the office of Chief-Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court 
of the Commonwealth ; and relying on the aid of that Being who 
is the fountain of justice, I will endeavor to discharge the duties 
thus imposed on me with integrity and impartiality, so long as the 
claims of my family for support will allow." He left a lucrative 
practice, and the salary of his new position was raised from 
twelve hundred and thirty-three dollars, to twenty-five hundred 
dollars. 

Mr. Parsons was prompt at business, and allowed no waste of 
time by his brethren. 

At a Court in Cambridge, Mr. Bigelow, the leading counsel of 
the county, arose with papers before him and began. Soon Mr. 
Parsons said : " Brother Bigelow, don't waste your time on that 
point; there is nothing in it." And so of the next and the third. 
Said Mr. Bigelow, " I regret that I am unable to please the Court 
this morning." " Brother Bigelow," said Mr. Parsons, " you 
please the Court when you are right." And the case was dis- 
missed. 

He carried the appearance of candor. 

In one of his cases, when a young man, and little known, when 
it came his time to argue, he put one foot in his chair, and with 
an elbow on his knee, leaned over and began to talk. " Pretty 
soon," says the informant, " I thought I understood him. He was 
winding that jury round his fingers. He made no show ; he did 
not talk long. He got a verdict at once ; and when the jury were 
dismissed, one of them said : ' Who is this Mr. Parsons .? He is 
not much of a lawyer, but he seems to be a real good sort of a 
man.'" 

He took the law into his own hand when necessary. 

Having been at Hartford on business, he finished on Saturday 
night ; and as there were signs that winter was breaking up, and 
he was in a close carriage on runners, he prepared to leave on 
Sunday, The innkeeper told him he would be arrested ; but he 
concluded to take his chance. After going a few miles, the tith- 
ing man came up and ordered him to stop. Mr. Parsons said he 
should obey the law, and directed his driver to draw up to one 
side of the road, fasten the reins where he could reach them from 



THEOPIHL US PARSONS. 36 1 

within, and come inside. The tithing-nian inquired what all this 
meant. "It means," said Mr. Parsons, "that the law authorizes 
you to stop me, and you have stopped me." " But I want you to 
turn back with me." "Perhaps so; but I prefer to do what the 
law requires." The officer muttered as he turned away : " I 
might have known I should never catch you," thus satisfying Mr. 
Parsons that the man had been sent out purposely to " catch 
him," as a signal application of the law. 

He could bring his knowledge of Scriptures to his aid. 

At the convention, assembled to act upon the adoption of the 
United States Constitution, a clergyman objected to the instru- 
ment, on the ground that the name of God was not mentioned. 
Mr. Parsons replied that such an argument would go so far as to 
destroy the authority of one of the most interesting books in the 
Bible. The astonished clergyman asserted that no such book 
could be found. He was requested to read the book of Esther, 
where in truth the name of God could not be found directly, or by 
any appellation of Godhead. 

Mr. Parsons is represented as never making any charge against, 
or accepting any fee from a widow or minister of the gospel ; as 
kind and affectionate in his family relations; as sparing in attend- 
ance upon dinner parties and social gatherings; as possessing fine 
conversational talent, when inclined to use the same, being some- 
times provokingly silent; as being fond of the horse and keeping a 
cow of the best kind. 

The following is the testimony of Judge Parker to the religious 
character of Mr. Parsons : 

" About three months before the Chief-Justice died, I had a 
conversation with him upon the subject of the Christian religion, 
and particularly upon the proofs of the resurrection contained in 
the New Testament. He told me that he felt the most perfect 
satisfaction on that subject; that he had once taken it up with a 
view to ascertain the weight of the evidence, by comparing the 
accounts given by the four Evangelists with each other; and that 
from their agreement in all substantial and important facts, as 
well as their disagreement on minor points, considering them all 
as separate and independent witnesses, giving their testimony at 



362 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

different periods, he believed that the evidence would be consid- 
ered perfect, if the question was tried at any human tribunal. I 
then did not know that he had made a public profession, and I 
asked him why he had not thus testified his belief. He told me 
that he had postponed it a great while, because the general state 
of his health would prevent him from attending public worship 
regularly, ^and occasion absence on communion days; but that 
two or three years ago, he had made up his mind to do his duty 
in joining the church, and as much of his duty as he could, in 
attending upon the ordinance ; and he accordingly joined the 
church of which President Kirkland was then the pastor." 

The son, Theophilus, writes as follows of Mr. Parsons: 

"He had many books of a religious cast and read them ; and 
he was a critical student of the Bible. He brought up his family 
in a somewhat strict observance of the ordinances and exercises 
of religion. Sunday was observed as a Sabbath, with I think 
more exactness than in any other family that I knew. His books 
were put away, and his table cleared on Saturday night ; and 
although he passed all his home hours, on Sunday, as on 
other days, in reading and writing, the books he chose were not 
those of his week days. He required the same thing of his 
family. Not only must the light reading of the week be given up, 
but the books themselves must be put out of sight ; not hidden, 
but fairly put away. And I have no recollection of his ever per- 
mitting any riding for pleasure on any part of Sunday, although he 
always kept horses, which were freely used by the family on other 
days." 

" An eminent merchant in Boston told me that he once had a 
very important question, in which foreign correspondents were 
interested to a large amount, and upon which he needed imme- 
diate advice ; and he determined to ride to Newburyport and see 
my father, whom he always consulted. He rode there on Sunday, 
changing horses at Ipswich that he might return at night, as he 
must act upon the advice he received on Monday. He found my 
father in his study, and began to state his case. ' Stop there,' said 
my father ; ' I will not hear another word to-day.' ' But I must 



rilEOPHILUS PARSONS. 363 

be back in Boston to-night.' ' Very good, you can go, and get the 
advice of somebody else. I will not attend to business on Sun- 
day.' The merchant pressed and urged him, but to no purpose, 
until my father said : 'This much I will say to you without know- 
ing your case or charging a fee. Do you want to know about the 
law of it, or the justice of it ? ' ' About the law of it only ; for the 
moral right and wrong are plain enough.' Then said my father, 
'I will answer you thus : if you will take upon yourself the re- 
sponsibility of deciding what course is morally just and right, I 
will take the responsibility of holding that course to be the legal 
one.' The merchant retired, acted upon this counsel, and found 
himself in the right." 

Mr. Parsons married January 13, 1780, Elizabeth, daughter of 
Judge Greenleaf. His son, Theophilus, graduated at Harvard 
College, became professor of law in Harvard Law School, and was 
the author of several volumes. 



SAMUEL PENHALLOW. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1717-1726.* 

Samuel Penhallow was born at St. Mabon, Cornwall County, 
England, July 2, 1665; died at Portsmouth, N. H., December 2, 
1726. 

His father was attached to the Puritan interest, and was 
intimate with Rev. Charles Morton, rector of the parish of Blis- 
land. This Mr. Morton, silenced for not conforming to the rites 
and ceremonies of the established church, removed to Newington- 
Green, near London, and there opened a school for the instruction 
of youth. The school continued about three years, and then was 
broken up through the authorities of the Church, who were unwill- 
ing that dissenters and Puritans should be employed in the work 
of educating the young. Samuel, at nearly eighteen years of age, 
became a member of this school, and continued a pupil during the 
three years of its existence. Mr. Morton determined to take ref- 
uge in New England, and invited Penhallow to accompany him. 
Receiving the consent of his parents, he embarked with Mr. Mor- 
ton, and arrived in this country in July, 1686. Before Penhallow 
left England, the Society for Propagating the Gospel among the 
Indians in America, offered him twenty pounds sterling a year 
for three years, if he would make himself acquainted with the In- 
dian language; and sixty pounds a year, afterwards during life, if 
he would devote himself to the ministry and preach to the Indians 
at times. 

Soon after arriving in New England, Mr. Morton accepted an 
invitation to take charge of the church at Charlestown. His old 
pupil and friend, Mr. Penhallow, was admitted a member of this 

* " Collections of New Hampshire Historical Society," v. i ; " Annals 
of Portsmouth." 

364 



SAMUEL riiNIlALLOW. 365 

cluirch, expecting to devote himself to the ministry. Political 
troubles came on, he abandoned this design, and became a resident 
of Portsmouth, N. H. Here he engaged in trade, and became a 
man of wealth. 

He was early appointed a Magistrate in Portsmouth, and in the 
execution of this office was prompt and firm, and literally " a terror 
to evil doers." In 17 14 he was appointed a Justice of the Superior 
Court of Judicature ; in 1717 was made Chief-Justice of the same 
Court, holding the office for nine years or until his death. He 
likewise held for a number of years the office of Treasurer of the 
Province. 

"Pie transferred his connection from the church in Charlestown 
to that in Portsmouth in 17 17. As a professor of religion he was 
exemplary, charitable to the poor, and hospitable to strangers." 

He was the author of " Indian Wars of New England," printed 
at Cornhill, Boston, 1726, reprinted m " New Hampshire Historical 
Collections." 

His wife-was Mary, daughter of John Cutt, President of New 
Hampshire Province. 



WILLIAM PENN. 

FOUNDER AND GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1681.* 

Giles Penn, grandfather of William, was a Captain in the 
Royal Navy. 

William Penn, son of Giles, born in 1621, followed the profes- 
sion of his father, and became a distinguished naval officer. At 
an early age he commanded the fleet which Oliver Cromwell sent 
against Hispaniola. He was the author of several tracts on the 
naval service, some of which are preserved in the British Museum. 
He married Margaret, daughter of John Jasper, merchant of Rot- 
terdam, "a woman of noble and religious character." There 
seems to be no evidence that he himself, in the prime of his days 
sustained the Christian's character. The following, however, is a 
portion of the inscription recorded on his monument, which is to 
be seen at Radcliffe church, in the city of Bristol. " Thus he 
took leave of the sea, his old element, but continued still his other 
employs till 1669; at that time, he withdrew, prepared, and made 
for his end ; and in much peace, arrived and anchored in his 
last and best port." 

William Penn, son of William, was born in London, parish of 
St, Catharine, on Tower Hill, October 14, 1644; died at Rus- 
combe, Berkshire County, July 30, 17 18. 

At an early age, he was sent to a free grammar school at Chig- 
well, Essex County. Here he gave evidence of promising talents, 
and here his mind was seriously impressed on the subject of 
religion. At the age of fifteen, he became a student at Oxford. 
He advanced rapidly in learning, cultivated the friendship of 

* " Memoirs of the Private and Public Life of William Penn," by Thomas 
Clarkson, 1814; Jannay's "Life' of Penn"; Hazard's "Annals of Pennsyl- 
vania "; " Penn's Works, 1726 ; " " The Select Works of William Penn," 1782. 

366 




WILLIAM PENN. 



WILLIAM PENN. 367 

students most -distinguished for talents and virtue, and gave 
suitable attention to sports and athletic exercises. Nor did he 
forget the religious impressions which he had received at the 
former school. These impressions had been strengthened by the 
preaching of Thomas Loe, a layman, who had formerly belonged 
to the University, but had then become a Quaker. Penn inclined 
to the Quaker belief, as did several of his fellow students. They 
withdrew from the established worship and held meetings of their 
own, in consequence of which a fine was imposed by the college 
officers. This did not deter their opposition. Penn engaged 
the co-operation of certain of his number, and fell upon those 
students who appeared in surplices, and tore them over their 
heads. The college took it up, and William and his associates 
were expelled. The young man returned home, and his father 
received him coldly. He resolved to send him to France, with 
the hope that the gayety of French manners might correct the 
growing gravity of his mind. Accordingly, in 1662, he went 
abroad in company with certain persons of rank, and resided for 
a time in Paris. But in the providence of God his journey did 
not serve the purpose which the father intended. He spent sev- 
eral months at Saumur, and there enjoyed the instruction of 
Moses Amyrault, a Protestant minister and professor of divinity, 
honored by both Calvinists and Catholics. His works, " Apology 
for his Religion," " Treatise on Free Will," " Exaltation of Faith 
and Abasement of Reason," had been widely circulated and read. 

" In 1668, being then twenty-four years of age, William Penn 
came forth in the character of a minister of the Gospel, having 
joined in membership with the Quakers." Henceforth he exer- 
cised his gifts as preacher, author, superintendent of estates left 
him by his father, and legislator. As late as the year 1698 we 
find the following minute concerning him. "During his stay at 
Cork, he held several meetings which were crowded beyond 
former example. Of one in particular, Thomas Story writes in 
his journal : 'The Lord was mightily with him on that day, cloth- 
ing him with majesty, holy zeal, and divine wisdom, to the great 
satisfaction of Friends there, and admiration and applause of the 
people.' " 

The charter constituting William Penn proprietary of Pennsyl- 



368 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

vania was signed March 4, 1681. " Some debts being due to his 
father, at the time of his death, from the crown, and as there was 
no prospect of an early payment in any other mode, Penn solic- 
ited a grant of lands in America," The instrument reads : 

" . . . . Know ye therefore, that we, favoring the petition and good purpose 
of the said William Penn, and having regard to the memory and merits of his 
late father, in divers services, and particularly to his conduct, courage, and dis- 
cretion, under our dearest brother James, Duke of York, in that signal battle 
and victory fought and obtained against the Dutch fleet commanded by the 
Hur Van Opdam, in the year 1665 •. in consideration thereof .... have given 
and granted, and by this our present charter, for us, our heirs and successors» 
do give and grant unto the said William Penn, his heirs and assigns, all that 
tract or part of land in America, etc." 

This document, embracing twenty-three articles written on 
parchment, is in the office of the Secretary of State at Harris- 
burg. The top of the first page exhibits a finely executed like- 
ness of his Majesty, in good preservation. 

Having received the charter, Mr. Penn writes to his friend 
Robert Turner, 5th of third month of 1681, 

" . . . . This day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal of 
England. . . It is a clear and just thing, and my God that has given it me, 
through many difficulties, will I believe, bless and make it the seed of a nation. 
I shall have a tender care to the government, that it will be well laid at first. 
No more now, but dear love in the truth. 

" Thy true friend, 

" William Penn." 

Within a month from the dating of the charter, the king issued 
a, declaration, addressed to the inhabitants and planters of Penn- 
sylvania, stating the grant that had been made, and enjoining all 
due obedience to William Penn, his heirs and assigns, as absolute 
proprietaries and governors. Penn prepared the following, " for 
the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, to be read by my deputy." 

" My Friends : 

" I wish you all happiness here and hereafter. 

"These are to let you know that it hath pleased God, in his providence, to 
cast you within my lot and care. It is a business that, though I never under- 
took before, yet God has given me an understanding of my duty, and an honest 
mind to do it uprightly. I hope you will not be troubled at your change, and the 



WILLIAM PENN. 369 

king's choice, for you are now fixed at the mercy of no governor that comes to 
make his fortune great ; you shall be governed by laws of your own making, 
and live a free, and if you will, a sober and industrious people. ... In five 
months, I resolve, if it please God, to see you. In the mean time pray submit 
to the commands of my deputy, so far as they are consistent with the law, and 
pay him those dues that formerly you paid to the order of the governor of New 
York, for my use and benefit, and so I beseech God to direct you in the way of 
righteousness, and therein prosper you, and your children after you. 

" I am, your true friend, 

•' William Penn. 

" London, eighth of the month called April, 1681." 

In due time, Penn writes the following letter to the Indians, 
" the original of which," according to Mr. Hazard, " was read a 
few years ago [1850] to the Penn Society of Philadelphia." 

" London, the iSth of the 8th month, 1687. 
" My Friends: 

" There is a Great God and Power that hath made the World and all Things 
therein, to whom you and I and all People owe their Being and Well-being, 
and to whom you and I must one Day give an Account for all that we do in this 
World : This Great God hath written his Law in our Hearts, by which we are 
taught and Commanded to love, and help, and do good to one another, and not 
to do Harm and Mischief one unto another. Now this Great God hath been 
pleased to make me concerned in your Part of the World, and the King of the 
County where I live hath given me a great Province therein, but I desire to 
enjoy it with your Love and Consent, that we may always live together as Neigh- 
bors and Friends. ... I shall shortly come to you, ... in the mean time I 
have sent my Commissioners to treat with you about Land and a firm league of 
Peace. Let me desire you to be kind to them and the People, and receive 
these Presents and Tokens which I have sent you, as a Testimony of my good 
Will to you, and my Resolution to live justly, peaceably and Friendly with you. 

" I am your Loving Friend, 

«' W. Penn." 

Having made arrangements for a passage to America in the 
ship Welcome, Mr. Penn addressed a letter to his wife and 
children, dated " Worminghurst, Fourth of Sixth Month, 1682," 
and which begins as follows: 

" My Dear Wife and Children : 

" My love, which neither sea, nor land, nor death itself, can extinguish or 
lessen toward you, most endearedlv visits you with eternal embraces, and will 
abide with you forever ; and may the God of my life watch over and bless you, 
and do you good in this world and forever !— Some things are upon my spirit 

24 



370 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

to leave with you in your respective capacities, as I am to one a husband, and 
to the rest a father, if I should never see you more in this world. 

" My dear Wife ! remember thou wast the love of my youth, and much the 
joy of my life ; the most beloved, as well as the most worthy of all my earthly 
comforts ; and the reason of that love, was more thy inward than thy outward 
excellences, which yet were many. God knows, and thou knowest it, I can say- 
it was a match of Providence's making; and God's image in us both was the 
first thing, and the most amial)le and engaging ornament in our eyes. Now I 
am to leave thee, and that without knowing whether I shall ever see thee more 
in this world, take my counsel into thy bosom, and let it dwell with thee in my 
stead while thou livest." 

Having arrived in America, .Mr, Penn bore himself with good 
judgment, and with strict justice, in his transactions with the 
Indians, and in conducting the affairs of the new government. 

" In May, 1684, he entrusted his government to a council, and 
in August terminated his first visit to America, by sailing for 
England, leaving behind him a prosperous colony of 7000 peo- 
ple." 

From on board the vessel, he wrote a letter to Thomas Lloyd 
and others, which closes as follows : 

" And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of this province, 
named before thou wast born, what love, what care, what service, 
and what travail hast here been to bring thee forth and preserve 
thee . . . . O that thou mayest be kept from the evil that would 
overwhelm thee; that, faithful to the God of thy mercies, in the 
life of righteousness, thou mayest be preserved to the end. My 
soul prays to God for thee, that thou mayest stand in the day of 
trial, that thy children may be blessed of the Lord and thy people 
saved by his power. My love to thee has been great, and the 
remembrance of thee affects my heart and mine eye. The God 
of eternal strength keep and preserve thee to his glory and thy 
peace. ..." 

The following are among the reflections and maxims of 
William Penn. 

Love Labor : For if thou dost not want it for Food, thou mayest 
for Physick, It is wholesome for thy Body and good for thy 
Mind. 

We must not pretend to see all that we see, if we would be easy. 



WILLIAM PENN: 371 

It were endless to dispute upon everything that is disputable. 

Let us be careful to take just ways to compass just things. 

Zeal dropt in Charity is good ; without it good for nothing. 

They must tirst judge themselves, that presume to censure 
others. 

Force may subdue, but Love gains : And he that forgives first 
wins the Laurel. 

The third edition of *' The Select works of William Penn," 
five volumes, 8vo, was published in London, 1782 ; the fourth edi- 
tion of same, London, 1825. The London edition of 1726, two 
volumes folio, gives " Collection of the Works of William Penn," 
and among the publications embraced are the following : " The 
Author's Life"; "The Sunday Foundation Shaken"; "No 
Cross, no Crown"; "Primitive Christianity revived in the Faith 
and Practice of the People called Quakers " ; "A General 
Description of the Province of Pennsylvania, its Soil, Air, Water, 
Seasons and Produce " ; " Travels in Holland and Germany." 
In the last named work, the following passage occurs : " And 
now, friends, as I have been traveling, . . . the greax work 
of the Lord in the earth has been often presented unto my view, 
and the day of the Lord hath been deeply upon me, and my 
soul and spirit hath frequently been possessed with an holy and 
weighty concern for the glory of the name of the Lord, and the 
spreading of his everlasting truth. ..." 

Mr. Penn was twice married. He published " Account of the 
Blessed End of my Dear Wife, Gulielma Maria Penn." His 
second wife was Hannah Callowhill. 



SAMUEL PHILLIPS. 

MEMBER OF MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.* 

George Phillips, early ancestor of Samuel, was born in Eng- 
land ; was educated at Cambridge ; settled in the ministry at Box- 
ford, Essex County ; came to New England with Governor Win- 
throp, assisted in commencing a plantation at Watertown, and 
became the first pastor on a salary of ^30 a year. Winthrop, 
speaking of his work here, says : " He was a godly man, specially 
gifted, and very peaceful in his place." Edward Johnson alludes 
to Mr. Phillips as " a man mighty in the Scriptures," as one whom 
" Christ had made hot with zeal for his truth." 

Samuel, eldest son of the preceding, educated through the 
benevolence of the church at Watertown, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1690, and became minister of the church at Rowley, 
Mass. 

Samuel, son of the preceding, was a goldsmith at Salem ; mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of Rev. John Emerson, of Gloucester. 

Samuel, son of the goldsmith, graduated at Harvard, 1708, at 
the age of eighteen ; was ordained pastor of the South Church at 
Andover, October 17, 17 11, preaching the installation sermon him- 
self, from Ezekiel iii. 17, and held the charge for sixty years. He 
married January 17, 17 12, Hannah, daughter of John White, of 
Haverhill, by whom he had five children, three sons and two 
daughters. 

Samuel Phillips, eldest son of the preceding, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in 1715 ; graduated at Harvard University in 
1734; became a member of the Massachusetts House of Repre- 
sentatives and of the Council of the Commonwealth. 

*Sprague; Johnson; "Appendix to Discourse," by Rev. Benjamin B. 

"Wisner. 

372 



SAMUEL PHILLIPS. 373 

He and his brother, John Phillips, of Exeter, N. H., in 1778 
founded the academy at Andover which bears their name, by the 
gift of several valuable tracts of land, and of £i,(>ii\. in money. In 
the Constitution of the acadeqiy the founders provide " that the 
Master, as the age and capacities of the scholars will admit, shall 
early and diligently inculcate upon them the Scripture doctrines, 
of the existence of one true God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; 
of the fall of man ; the depravity of human nature ; the necessity 
of an atonement, and of our being renewed in the spirit of our 
minds; the doctrines of repentance towards God, and of faith 
towards our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Mr. Phillips married Elizabeth Bernard, of Andover. They had 
several children; one only, Samuel, lived to mature age, and is the 
subject of the following sketch. 



SAMUEL PHILLIPS. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1801.* 

Samuel Phillips was born February 5, 1752 ; died February 
10, 1802, 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1771, was chosen to rep- 
resent his native town in the Provincial Congress at Watertown in 
1775, and continued in Congress till the adoption of the State 
Constitution in 1780. On the adoption of the Constitution, he 
was elected a member of the first Senate, and was continued in 
that branch of the Legislature till 1801, except in the year suc- 
ceeding the insurrection, commonly called Shay's Rebellion, when 
his election was precluded by his mission, with that of two others, 
to the western counties. He was sixteen years President of the 
Senate, beginning 1785. In 1801 he was chosen Lieutenant- 
Governor. 

He was one of the original members of the American Academy 
of Arts and Sciences, incorporated in 1780, and was made Doctor 
of Laws by Harvard University in 1793. 

" In early life he was not ashamed to own himself a disciple 
of Jesus of Nazareth." 

" The humility and fervor, the propriety and eloquence, with 
which he led the daily devotions of his family, will long be re- 
membered even by his occasional guests." 

An instrument signed and sealed by Mr. Phillips, December 
12, 1801, directs and binds his heirs and executors to pay to the 
Trustees of Phillips Academy one thousand dollars, lo be by 
them and their successors always kept at interest ; one sixth part 

* " Discourse," and Notes following the same, by Rev. David Tappan ; 
Appleton's "Cyclopedia of American Biography." 

374 



SAMUEL PHILLIPS. 375 

of this interest to be annually added to the principal, and the 
other five-sixth parts to be laid out in the purchase of pious writ- 
ings, viz.: "Doddridge's Address to the Master of a Family on Fam- 
ily Religion," Sermons by the same on the Religious Education of 
Children, the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, etc., to 
be annually distributed among the inhabitants of Andover, accord- 
ing to the best direction of said Trustees, assisted by the Congre- 
gational ministers of that town. He particularly directs that the 
above named address on family religion be given to every 
young man about to enter into a family state. He further directs 
that whenever the income of this fund shall exceed the objects 
above specified, the surplus shall be applied to the use of Phillips 
Academy. 

Mr. Phillips was married in June, 1773, to Phebe, youngest 
daughter of Francis and Mehitabel Foxcroft, of Cambridge. She 
was accustomed in lier youth to repeat the Assembly's Catechism, 
and for nearly fifty years was a professed disciple of Christ. 
" Not content with relieving the many who solicited relief, she went 
about seeking objects of charity, ministering comforts to the sick, 
afflicted and needy." They had two children, John and Samuel ; 
the latter died in his youth, the former settled in the north parish 
in Andover. 

" Memoir of Hon. Samuel Phillips," by John L. Taylor, was 
published in Boston in 1S56. 



JOHN PHILLIPS. 

MEMBER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE COUNCIL, 1774.* 

John Phillips, second son of Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Andover, 
was born in 1719; died in 1795. 

He graduated at Harvard University in 1735, taught school in 
Andover, and other towns, and finally entered upon mercantile 
business in Exeter, N. H. 

He was appointed one of the Justices of the Peace for the 
Province of New Hampshire, authorized to act in special cases as 
Judge of the Superior Court; and in the year 1774 served as 
member of the State Council. 

" He was a ruling elder in the church at Exeter, and was much 
esteemed as a man eminent for piety. He, with his brother, 
Samuel, founded and endowed Phillips Academy at Andover, 
which was incorporated in 1780. In 1789 he further gave to 
this institution $20,000. The institution called Phillips Exeter 
Academy, of which he was the sole founder, was incorporated in 
1 78 1, with a fund of ^15,000. He bequeathed to this academy 
two thirds of all his estate." 

He was twice married, but had no children. 

* " Appendix to Discourse," by Rev. Benjamin B. Wisner; Allen's " Bio- 
graphical Dictionary." 



376 



WILLIAM PHILLIPS. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS.* 

William Phillips, father of William, and youngest child of 
Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Andover, became a merchant in Boston ; 
served in both branches of the Massachusetts Legislature ; was a 
member of the Convention which drafted the State Constitution, 
and of that which adopted the Constitution of the United States. 
For nearly thirty years he sustained the office of Deacon in the 
Old South Church, and bequeathed $5,000 to the academy at 
Andover. 

William Phillips, of Boston, was born April 10, 1750; died May 
26, 1827. 

Being in feeble health in childhood and youth, his educational 
advantages were limited. In 1773, he visited Great Britain, 
Holland, and France, Both before and after the Revolution he 
was engaged in mercantile pursuits in connection with his father. 

He served as Representative in the Legislature, and for several 
years was Lieutenant-Governor of the State, enjoying the friend- 
ship and confidence of Governors Strong and Brooks. 

He was a man of correct judgment and rare knowledge of 
human nature. He seldom took part in public debate. 

He weighed with scrupulousness the claims of others, and if at 
any time he found himself in the wrong he would make all the 
reparation in his power. 

He was eminently a domestic man, fond of retirement and of 
the society of his family and his intimate friends. 

"The crowning attribute of his character was piety. He firmly 
believed in the entire moral depravity of the unrenewed heart. 
He believed that men are to be justified, neither wholly, nor in 

* " Discourse," and Appendix to same, by Rev. lienjamin B. Wisner. 

377 



378 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN R ULERS. 

part, by their own virtues, but solely on account of the merits of 
Christ. He cordially approved of judiciously conducted revivals of 
religion. He fervently prayed for these blessings, and received 
or heard of their bestowment with thankfulness and praise. His 
property he habitually felt was a talent committed to him, to be 
used for the glory of God, and the good of his family and the 
world. His charities were long continued, munificent, widely 
extended, and applied to every variety of proper objects. For a 
series of years they were from eight to eleven thousand dollars a 
year." 

He married a daughter of Jonathan Mason, one of the deacons 
of the Old South Church ; " a woman distinguished for intelli- 
gence and discretion, and eminent for piety and benevolence." 
They had seven children. 

Says Rev. Dr. Miller in his " Retrospect of the Eighteenth 
Century " : " The family of Phillips in Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire, has been long distinguished for its great wealth, and 
also for its love of religion and literature. A complete history of 
the munificence towards public institutions, at different times, by 
the members of this family, would probably furnish an amount of 
benefactions seldom equalled in this country." 



JOHN PHILLIPS. 

[His one hundredth birthday publicly celebrated June 29, i860.] 
REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1814-1815.* 

John Phillips was born in Sturbridge, Mass., June 29, 1760; 
died there February 25, 1865, aged one hundred and four years, 
seven months and twenty-six days. 

He was of the sixth generation from the Rev. George 
Phillips, who came from England 1630, with Governor Winthrop 
and others, and settled in the ministry at Watertown. He was 
the fourth of eleven children of Deacon Jonathan Phillips, who 
occupied a farm in Sturbridge of some two hundred acres, pur- 
chased by himself for the sum of $625. On this farm John 
Phillips was born, and here he passed his days. He lived with 
his father, and his father with him, as he and his son, Edward, and 
their families ever lived togetlier, under the same roof, eating at 
the same table. 

At the age of sixteen he measured six feet in height, barefoot, 
and weighed one hundred and ninety-six pounds. His weight 
varied from two hundred and four, to one hundred sixty-six 
pounds. His manner of living was plain and frugal, laboring as a 
farmer constantly, not hard, nor to late hours. He usually 
retired to bed early, and rose early in the morning, was temperate 
in eating, drinking, sleeping, working, and in all things. After 
he was ninety years of age, he laid up and relaid on his farm, 
alone, about twenty rods of stone wall, handling some heavy 
stones, working two or three hours in the forenoon, the same in 
the afternoon, and making about two rods per day. 

Mr. Phillips was twice elected as Representative to the Legis- 

* "Account of Birthday Celebration, including Biography," printed by O. D. 
Haven, 1S60; Raymond's " Life of Abraham Lincoln." 

379 



38o AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

lature from the town of Sturbridge, serving in 1814 and 1815. 
From 1810 to 1824, he was a Justice of the Peace, " and married 
many a couple." He voted for George Washington for President 
of the United States, and voted at all the Presidential elections 
during the existence of the Government, except one, down to 
Abraham Lincoln. 

Having attended the polls to cast his vote for Mr. Lincoln 
when one hundred and four years old, he was honored with the 
following letter : 

"Executive Mansion, 

" Washington, November 21, 1864. 
" My Dear Sir : 

" I have heard of the incident at the polls in your town, in which you acted 
so honorable a part, and I take the liberty of writing to you to express my per- 
sonal gratitude for the compliment paid me by the suffrage of a citizen so 
venerable. 

" The example of such devotion to civic duties in one whose days have 
already been extended an average lifetime beyond the Psalmist's limit, cannot 
but be valuable and fruitful. It is not for myself only, but for the country 
which you have in your sphere served so long and so well, that I thank you. 

" Your friend and servant, 

" Abraham Lincoln. 
" Deacon John Phillips." 

" At eleven years of age, his attention was called to the subject 
of religion by a discourse he heard, preached by an Elder Jacobs 
of Thompson, Conn., from 2 Samuel viii. 2. He immediately after- 
ward betook himself to reading the Bible, feeling that he was a great 
sinner. He read the four Evangelists through in course. One 
Sabbath he read the last ten chapters of John and when he came 
to and read that passage, // is Jtnished, his burden left him. 
He thinks he then met with a saving change, and his sins were 
pardoned. He did not, however, make a public profession of his 
faith till the age of twenty-five, the year after his marriage, when 
he was baptized, and united with the Baptist Church in Stur- 
bridge. In 1799 he was chosen deacon, to take the place of his 
father, who died in June of the year previous. He took two 
months to consider the question, and then consented to serve 
' according to the best of his ability.' " 

On the 29th of June, i860, a large congregation of the family 



JOHN PHILLirS. 381 

and friends of Mr. Phillips assembled in the Baptist Church at 
Fiskdale to celebrate his one hundredth birthday. Several 
clergymen of different denominations were present, and two 
former pastors of the church. At eleven o'clock Mr. Phillips 
entered, followed by six other aged men, all of whom took seals 
upon the platform before the desk. Before the audience hung the 
portrait of this venerable man, over which was written : 

" The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way 
of righteousness." 

After a voluntary upon the organ and the singing of an anthem, 
he arose and said : 

" My F'riends : 

" I give you thanks for this opportunity of seeing so many of you present, 
and for the attention bestowed upon me ; but I feel unworthy to receive it. 
For seventy-five years I have been a professor of religion, and I have endeav- 
ored to adorn my profession. I am now an old child — broken down — one 
hundred years old, for you to look upon. I feel that I am a child in knowl- 
edge and everything else. My creed consists of four particular points: i. 
The goodness of God. 2. The divinity of our Saviour. 3. The power and 
reality of revealed religion. 4. The depravity of man. Here I stand, a 
monument of God's goodness. 

He then offered a short prayer, in which he thanked Almighty 
God for giving him existence, and for all the way His hand had 
led him ; he invoked the continuance of his favor and blessings, 
upon himself, on the church in that place accustomed to worship, 
on the people present, on Zion at large ; praying that the earth 
might be filled with His glory. 

After the reading of Scripture selected by Deacon Phillips, 
and the singing of the seventy-first Psalm of Watts, also his 
selection, appropriate addresses were given. At the conclusion 
of the exercises, a dinner was served. 

Mr. Phillips was united in marriage May 20, 1785, to Love, 
daughter of Jonathan Perry, then eighteen years of age. He 
lived in this relation sixty-four years. They had nine children. 



WILLIAM PHIPS. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1692.* 

^ James Phips, father of William, was a gunsmith, and lived in 
Bristol, England. He settled near Permaquid, Bristol, Me., 
before the year 1649. The mother of William had twenty-six 
children, twenty-one of whom were sons. 

William Phips was born in Maine, February 2, 1650; died in 
London, February 18, 1695. 

He became a resident of Boston, and in the early part of his 
career devoted himself to adventures upon the sea. 

A report of the wreck of a Spanish vessel near the Bahama 
Islands induced him to make a voyage thither, in a vessel which 
he owned and commanded. He found the wreck, but- the value 
of what he recovered proved insufficient to pay the expense of 
the voyage. 

He was told, however, of another and more richly laden vessel, 
which had been wrecked near Port-de-la-Plata, more than half a 
century before. Unable from his own means to attempt the 
search, he resolved upon a voyage to England, in the hope of 
inducing the government to fit out an expedition for the recovery 
of the treasure. He went to London, and as the result of his 
representations to the Admiralty, he was appointed to the com- 
mand of the Rose-A/gier, a ship of eighteen guns and ninety-five 
men. He sailed for Hispaniola, where he met with an old 
Spaniard, who pointed out to him the reef of rocks, a few 
leagues north of Port-de-la-Plata, where the ship had been 
wrecked. 

Experiments were made ; first, ship's guns were found, then an 

* Sparks' " American Biography," v. 7 ; Mather's " Magnalia," v. i. 

T&2 




P{yi4^<^^^^^yy^^^<>^^ 



WILLIAM PHirS. 383 

ingot of silver worth two hundred pounds sterling. The whole 
crew were set to work, and in the course of a few days, they 
fished up treasure to the amount of three hundred thousand 
pounds. The bags containing the gold and silver were covered 
with a calcareous incrustation of considerable thickness, which 
was broken open with irons. Mr. Phips arrived in England with 
his lading in the year 16S7. After making a division of the 
profits and paying the promised gratuity to the seamen, there 
remained for himself about sixteen thousand pounds. As a token 
of satisfaction toward Mr. Phips, the Duke of Albermarle pre- 
sented his wife with a gold cup valued at a thousand pounds. 
He was requested to remain in England, with the promise of 
honorable employment in the public service, but his home was in 
New England and he declined. 

In 1692 Mr. Phips received a commission under the King's 
seal, as Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief over the province 
of Massachusetts Bay. In 1694 he was called to England to 
answer certain complaints which had been brought against him, 
and did not live to return. 

He attended upon the ministry of Rev. Cotton Mather at the 
North Church, Boston. On applying for admission to that church 
on confession of faith, he presented to Mr. Mather a paper, in his 
own handwriting, giving account of his Christian experiences. 

Mr. Mather thus commends his Christian faithfulness : 

" Mr. Phips conscientiously attended upon the exercises of devo- 
tion in the seasons thereof, on lectures, as well as on Lord's days, 
and in the daily sacrifice, the morning and evening service of his 
own family ; yea, and at the private meetings of the devout peo- 
ple kept every fortnight in the neighborhood. 

" Besides all this, when he had great works before him, he would 
invite good men to come and fast and pray with him at his house 
for the success thereof ; and when he had succeeded in what he 
had undertaken, he would prevail with them to come and keep a 
day of solemn thanksgiving with him. 

" His love to Almighty God was, indeed, manifested by nothing 
more than his love to those that had the image of God upon 
them ; he heartily, and with real honor for them, loved all godly 
men ; and in so doing, he did not confine godliness to this or that 



3 84 ^ M ERIC A N CHRIS TIA N R ULERS. 

party, but wherever he saw the fear of God in one of a Congrega- 
tional, or Presbyterian, or Baptist, or Episcopalian persuasion, he 
did without any difference, express towards them a reverent 
affection." 



WILLIAM PITKIN. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1766-1769.* 

William Pitkin, grandfather of William, was born in England 
in 1635 ; studied law, and became a resident of Hartford, Conn. 
He bought a tract of land on the east side of Connecticut River 
and engaged in agriculture. In 1664 he was appointed by the 
king Attorney for the Colony ; served for a long term of years 
as member of the General Court ; in 1694 was appointed member 
of the Council. He married Hannah, daughter of Ozias Good- 
win, who came to this country with Rev. Thomas Hooker. 

William, son of the above, and father of William of the present 
sketch, was born in Hartford in 1664, studied law, was Judge of 
the County and Probate Courts from 1702 till 171 1, when the 
Superior Court was established ; and of this in 17 13 he was made 
Chief-Justice. 

William Pitkin was born in Hartford, April 30, 1694; died in 
East Hartford, October i, 1769. 

He served as member of the Council from 1734 to 1754, when 
he was elected Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony. He re- 
mained in the latter office until 1766, when he succeeded Mr. 
Fitch as Governor, and held the office until his death. He was 
also a Judge of the Superior Court for thirteen years and chief 
Judge for twelve years. 

Rev. Eliphalet Williams writes of Mr. Pitkin as follows : 
" That which ornamented and ennobled him, was the sanctifying 
grace of God, which he apprehended he first had experience of in 
his younger years. He was a Christian throughout, eminent for 
practical religion and godliness ; strictly observing God's Sabbath, 

Hollister's " History of Connecticut" ; Allen's " Biographical Dictionary "; 
"Discourse," by Rev. Eliphalet Williams, 1769. 
25 385 



386 AMERICAN pHRIST/AIV RULERS. 

and reverencing his sanctuary ; deeply concerned for God's inter- 
est in the world ; and a most cordial friend to the ambassadors of 
Christ, who approved themselves such. In all relations and con- 
ditions he was faithful ; a wise instructor and governor of his 
household ; a desirable neighbor and friend, courteous and 
obliging. With pleasure it was observed by many with what 
apparent self-diiifidence and humility, with what expressions of 
trust and reliance on God for assistance, he accepted and entered 
upon his last important station." 

His son, William Pitkin, was nineteen years Chief-Justice of 
the State Supreme Court. Another son, named Timothy, was the 
pastor of the Congregational Church in Farmington, Conn., and 
lived to the age of eighty-five. His grandson Timothy, was 
member of Congress from 1815 to 1819, and lived to the age of 
eighty-two. 



WILLIAM PLUMER. 

GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, l8l2, 1816, 1817, 1818.* 

Francis Plumer, early ancestor of William, came to Massachu- 
setts from the west of England, and settled in 1635 at Newbury, 
"of which town he was one of the original grantees." 

Samuel Plumer, the fourth in descent from f^rancis, and father 
of William, was born in 1722 ; married in 1755 Mary Dole ; entered 
upon the business of shoemaking in Newburyport, gained a com- 
petency, purchased a farm in Epping, N. H., and removed thither 
in the autumn of 1768. He possessed a tall and commanding 
figure, wore on occasions a wig curled and powdered, a three- 
cornered hat, scarlet coat and buckskin breeches with silver knee 
buckles. He had six children, three sons and three daughters. 

William Plumer, eldest child of Samuel, was born at Newbury- 
port, Mass., June 25, 1759; died at Epping, N. H., December 22, 
1850. 

He attended a school kept by Stephen Sewall, where he 
" learned to read, write and spell, but was not taught grammar 
either then or at any subsequent period." Sewall advised his 
father to give him a collegiate education, but the father did not 
see best to do so, as he could not bestow this expense on all his 
boys. 

William was in his tenth year when his father removed to 
Epping, and as the farm was to be the scene of his exertions he 
was early trained to its labors. A simple diet, and regular but 
not excessive out-door work, contributed to his sound develop- 
ment. His father was strict in religious observances, and the 
Bible was read through and through in the daily service. 

Mr. Plumer served for a short time in the Gospel Ministry. 
* " Life of William Plumer," by William Plumer, Junior, 1857. 
3S7 



388 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

which he abandoned for reasons hereafter explained. The pro- 
fession of medicine seemed a desirable pursuit, and he read 
several medical works, particularly those of the eminent Dutch 
physician, Boerhaave. From him he derived information on diet 
and regimen, which made him ever after, to a considerable extent, 
his own physician. He soon abandoned this new pursuit ; in 
1784 entered the law office of Joshua Atherton ; was admitted to 
the Bar in 1787 ; and "for twenty years practiced his profession 
with high reputation for legal learning, integrity and talent." 

He served in both branches of the State Legislature ; in 1802 
was elected to the Senate of the United States, and served till 
1807 ; in 1812, 1816, 1817, and 1818, was chosen and served as 
Governor of New Hampshire. 

At a time of religious awakening in the spring of 1779, Mr. 
Plumer, then twenty years of age, was convicted of sin, and "felt 
that his heart was the seat of all impurity." He relates : " I 
could neither sleep nor eat, and my strength failed me. On a 
sudden, I was strongly impressed with the idea that God had for- 
given my sins. Though I had been baptized by sprinkling in 
infancy, I was now baptized by immersion, and was soon after 
admitted a member of the Baptist Church, in full communion. 
Early in the spring of 1780 I entered upon the work of the minis- 
try, by becoming a preacher of the Baptist denomination — not by 
the advice of any man or church, but from a conviction that it 
was my duty. I traveled through the counties of Rockingham, 
Hillsborough, Strafford and Grafton. There was scarcely a day 
but I delivered one, and often two sermons. I preached to 
others what I believed myself, and recommended religion to their 
consideration with zeal and pathos. My hearers were numerous, 
attentive, and serious ; and many of them, in consequence of my 
preaching, became professors of religion. After my return, I 
preached in Epping and the vicinity, occasionally traveling into 

the seaports and the neighboring towns During the whole 

time that I officiated in the ministry, I never received to the value 
of a single cent from any person except my food and lodging in 
the houses I visited, and that only when it was necessary. I set 
apart, and strictly devoted one day in every month to private 
fasting and prayer in my chamber. This was always to me a 



WILLIAM PLUM ER. 389 

season of real enjoyment. These fasts, besides their religious 
uses, invigorated the mind, by relieving the stomach from the 
pressure of heavy meals, and gave me better health than I should 
otherwise have enjoyed." At length Mr. Plumer came under 
doubt. He says : " I sought in vain to reconcile the character of 
the Supreme Being, and the reason of man, with the principles of 
the religion which I had embraced. ... I knew there were 
men who preached religion for money, and others who taught 
doctrines which they did not believe ; but that was not my case. 
I had been sincere in my belief, and was now equally sincere and 

unhappy in my doubts " He withdrew from the ministry, 

returned to labors on the farm, and eventually, as before stated, 
entered upon the profession of the law. In reviewing this expe- 
rience of Mr. Plumer, it is fair to present that passage in the New 
Testament: Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath 
begun a good work in you, will perfonn it until the day of Jesus 
Christ. 

On June 25, 1820, Mr. Plumer wrote : "It is more than a year 
since I retired from the government of the State to private life. 
I never spent a year of greater ease and happiness. I have had 
too much of office and public life to wish for more. Though not 
wealthy, I have property enough to supply my reasonable wants, 
and I have no inclination to acquire more. I seldom neglect 
exercise for a single day. It consists principally in superin- 
tending my farm. iMy sleep is sound and refreshing, and I pre- 
serve the habit of early rising. My diet is regular, simple and 
plain." 

Says his biographer : " His voice was clear, strong and flexible. 
On Sunday afternoons he was accustomed to read to us a sermon 
from some old English divine, — Barrow or Taylor. 'We were then 
required to read a chapter from the Bible. On this he would 
question us as to its meaning, and accompany his inquiries with 
remarks and information, often curious and original, and always 
evincing a knowledge of Scripture, and a power of comparing one 
passage with another, and of thence eliciting its meaning, which 
I have never seen surjDassed. These Sunday evening recitations, 
which were kept up till the family circle was broken by the mar- 
riage of my sister, and by my own removal to Portsmouth, were 



390 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

always regarded by us with great interest, and were equally pleas- 
ant and instructive." 

Mr. Plumer was a contributor to the press under the signature 
" Cincinnatus," and was the author of " Appeal to the Old Whigs 
of New Hampshire," 1805 ; " Address to the Clergy of New Eng- 
land," 1814. 

He married in 1788, Sally, only daughter of Philip Fowler. 
His son William, who wrote the " Life of William Plumer," was a 
Representative in Congress from 1819 to 1825. 



WILLIAM PLUNKET. 

-LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1854* 

Patrick Plunket, father of William C, came to this country 
from Wicklow County, Ireland, in 1795, when he was twenty-nine 
years of age. He was a man of large physique, in religious faith 
a Catholic^'in his earlier years, and in later lifq a Protestant. He 
was married in the old John Street Methodist Church m New 
York to Mary Robinson, a native of Ireland, and of whom Rev. 
John Todd writes as follows : " I knew her as a woman of 
remarkably fine mind, and possessing great and strong traits of 
character. She was a religious woman." They resided in 
Lenox, Mass., in a log cabin, on a twenty acre farm. They had 
seven children, four sons and three daughters. 

William C. Plunket was born in Lenox, Mass., in 1800 ; died 
in Adams in 1884. 

During his minority he labored upon the home farm, and his 
earnings" went into the family fund. When twenty-one years of 
age he entered Lenox Academy, and began the study of Latin, 
hopin- to obtain a collegiate education. The necessity for funds 
compelled him to resort to teaching, and after three months 
spent in the academy, he taught school in Lee for a winter, and 
two years in Lanesborough. Abandoning the idea of a college 
education, he became a merchant in Lanesborough in company 
Nvith Thomas Durant, and in 1831, " having laid up a few hundred 
dollars," he entered into business as a manufacturer in the town 

of Adams. 

He was a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1840; was 
Lieutenant-Governor with Governor Washburn in 1854; for sev- 

* "Discourse," by Rev. Edward Hungerford; Rev. Mark Hopkins; Child's 
" Berkshire County Gazetteer." 



392 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

eral sessions served in the lower House of the Legislature, the last 
time in 1873 ; and served in the Executive Council with Governor 
Rice and Governor Long. It once happened that he found him- 
self running for the State Senate against his brother Thomas, and 
they good naturedly voted each for the other. 

When Mr. Plunket came to Adams, desecration of the Sabbath 
was open and general ; young men played ball in front of the 
church while people were entering for worship; men worked in 
the field, and even one of the mills was raised on the Lord's 
Day. 

The Christian experience of Mr. Plunkett dated back to early 
life. He possessed a Catholic spirit and could work with what- 
ever denomination he found himself. For the Episcopalians he 
read sermons when in Lanesborough ; and when he removed to 
Adams, he was a friend to the Baptists, and was a member of 
their committee for the building of their church. When a move- 
ment was made for forming a Congregational church he gave his 
time and energies, and in the year 1842 became a member by 
public profession. 

He was devoutly religious. He formed the first Sunday School 
in Adams, and was its Superintendent for nearly forty years. 

Mr. Plunket was twice married; first to Achsa Brown in 1832: 
second to Lovisa Brown in 1839. Two daughters by this mar- 
riage died in early womanhood. Two sons, William B. and 
Charles, are carrying on the manufacturing interest sustained by 
the father. 



JAMES KNOX POLK. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1845-1849.* 

Samuel Polk, of Irish descent, father of James K., resided in 
North Carolina, married in 1794, Jane, daughter of James Knox. 
They had six sons and four daughters. Mr. Polk was a farmer of 
frugal habits and style of living, and followed at intervals the 
occupation of a surveyor. His wife was a most excellent and 
pious woman. In the autumn of 1806 the family removed to 
Tennessee. 

James Knox Polk, eldest son of Samuel and Jane Polk, was 
born in Mecklenburg County, N. C, November 2, 1795; died in 
Nashville, Tenn., June 15, 1854. 

In boyhood he imbibed principles of industry, economy and 
integrity. He assisted his father in the labors of the farm, and 
was his companion in his surveying excursions. They were some- 
times absent for weeks together in the forests of the country. 
On these occasions it was the duty of James to take care of the 
pack-horses and camp equipage, and to prepare the meals of the 
surveying party. 

He loved reading and study, and desired to gain a liberal 
education. His father, thinking that his health would not be 
sufficient for the duties of student life, placed him with a mer- 
chant, with the view of fitting him for commercial pursuits. These 
new duties did not suit his taste, and with much persuasion, he 
obtained permission of his father to return home. 

In July, 1813, he was placed under the tuition of Rev, Dr. 
Henderson, subsequently was sent to the Murfreesborough 
Academy, and in the autumn of 1815, he entered the Sophomore 

* Jenkins' " Life of Polk"; Lanman's " Biographical Annals"; Abbot's 
" Lives of the Tresidents " ; Boston Recorder, Rev. Dr. Edgar. 

393 



394 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

class at the University of North Carolina. Never absent from 
recitation, or any of the religious services of the institution, he 
graduated in June, 1818, "the best scholar in both the mathemat- 
ics and classics," and was assigned the Latin Salutatory Oration. 
He studied law with Felix Grundy, of Nashville, was admitted to 
the Bar in 1820, and began his profession among the companions 
of his boyhood, at Columbia, Maury County. 

Mr. Polk was Representative in Congress from 1825 to 1839, 
and was Speaker of the House during five sessions. A unani- 
mous vote of thanks was passed by the House as he withdrew, and 
in his closing address he said : " My service here has been con- 
stant and laborious. I can perhaps say what few others if any, 
can, — that I have not failed to attend the daily sittings of this 
House a single day since I have been a member of it, save on a 
single occasion, when prevented for a short time by indisposi- 
tion." He was elected Governor of Tennessee, took the oath of 
office at Nashville, October 14, 1839, and held the position two 
years. 

In 1844 he was elected President of the United States. He 
left his home for Washington in January, 1845, and on his way up 
the Ohio in a steamboat, at one of the landings, a plain farmer 
took his hand and said : " I am glad to see you. I am a strong 
Democrat, and did all I could for you. I am the father of 
twenty-six children, who were all for Polk, Dallas, and Texas." 
He was inaugurated March 4, 1845, and "during his administra- 
tion, the Oregon question was settled, Texas was annexed, war 
with Mexico was declared, and New Mexico and California were 
acquired." 

A person who was present at a reception given by Mr. and Mrs, 
Polk says : " He is short and slender, with hair turning gray, 
and his countenance indicates firmness. There was an air of 
solemnity about him, which struck me as highly becoming a man 
on whom so much depends. ... I took an opportunity while the 
President was disengaged, to say to him that the religious people 
of this country had observed with satisfaction the respect which 
had been paid by the President to religious institutions since 
his election. He said that he felt his obligations as a man no less 
than as a magistrate, and he hoped never to forget them. He 



JAMES KNOX POLK. 395 

referred to his aged and pious mother still living, and to the 
instructions received from her in childhood." 

On the 5th of March, 1849, he rode to the Capitol in company 
with Zachary Taylor, and after the ceremonies of inauguration of 
the new President, left the city with Mrs. Polk the same evening 
for their home in Tennessee. He had previously purchased, for 
his future residence, the mansion and grounds formerly owned by 
his friend and teacher Mr. Grundy, and situated in the heart of 
the city of Nashville. 

After the cares at Washington, his journey home, and his 
acknowledgment of the civilities extended, induced fatigue. A 
chronic complaint which had been with him for years, troubled 
him. He entered too earnestly upon his new duties of arranging 
home and grounds, especially of arranging his large library: his 
complaint came upon him with new power, and fatal results 
ensued. 

In his last sickness, he expressed his sense of unworthiness 
before God, together with his painful apprehension that he had 
too long delayed to seek the divine favor and to devote himself to 
the service of Christ, to expect his pardoning mercy on a death- 
bed. . . He at last professed to have obtained pardon for all his 
sins, and the purification of his heart through the blood of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. From the time that he realized this great 
blessing, and attached himself to the Church, and received the 
sacraments, he never expressed the slightest doubt ; but with 
meekness and humility, praised the Lord for his abundant mercy; 
and with unwavering confidence reposed upon the Saviour, and 
died in the full assurance of a glorious immortality. 

About half an hour preceding his death, his venerable mother 
kneeled by his bedside and offered prayer. 

Mr. Polk was married January i, 1824, to Sarah, daughter of 
Joel Childress, a merchant of Rutherford County, Tenn. Mrs. 
Polk was a member of the Presbyterian church, and possessed 
great excellence of character. They had no children, but adopted 
a son of the brother, Marshall Polk. 



STACY GARDINER POTTS. 

JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY, 18S2-1857.* 

Thomas Potts, early ancestor of Stacy G., was a member of 
the Society of Friends, and emigrated from England with his wife 
and children in 1678. 

Stacy Potts, grandfather of Stacy G., was also a member of the 
Society of Friends, was a tanner in Trenton, N. J., removed to 
Harrisburg, Pa., and engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
. William Potts, father of Stacy G., married Mary, daughter of 
Theophilus Gardiner, merchant of Philadelphia, of Scotch and. 
Presbyterian descent. Said one of the sons concerning her, " She 
was an angel of a mother." 

Stacy Gardiner Potts was born in Harrisburg, Pa., in 1799; died 
in 1865. 

Soon after his birth his father purchased a large tract of unim- 
proved land in Northumberland County, Pa. Here Stacy contin- 
ued to reside until the year 1808, when the father and son walked 
together to Trenton, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, 
arriving at the latter place on the fourth day of their journey. 
When they arrived at the bank of the river opposite the city, and 
before crossing the bridge, then newly erected, the boy remarked, 
" I like the looks of that place ; I think I shall live there all my 
life." 

Stacy took up his residence with his grandfather, then mayor of 
the city, and commenced his education in the .Friends' school. 
After four years thus passed, he was entered as an apprentice in 
a printing-office. He became a member of a debating club es- 
tablished by the teachers of the Presbyterian Sunday-school. 

* Elmer's " Reminiscences of New Jersey " ; Sprague's " Annals of Amer- 
ican Pulpit." 

396 . 



STACY GARDINER POTTS. 397 

Cultivating a taste for speaking and composition, he soon contrib- 
uted articles for the press in prose and verse. Choosing the law 
as his profession, he was licensed as an attorney in 1827, and as a 
counselor in 1830. 

He served in the State Legislature in 1828 and 1829 ; for ten 
years held the office of Clerk of the Court of Chancery, in 1852 
was nominated by Governor Fort, and confirmed by the Senate, 
one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, taking as his circuit the 
counties of Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Ocean. 

Mr. Potts thus records his religious experience and exercises, 
" I do not remember when I had no serious thoughts. As my 
mind opened to comprehend the goodness of God in his Provi- 
dence, his power as exhibited in nature, and his love in redemp- 
tion, my heart was often filled with love and my eyes with tears. 
My circle of friends numbered some ardently pious students of 
theology, as I grew up, but I was resolutely opposed to the 
Calvinistic scheme. In the year 1817 ' Scott's Force of Truth ' 
was put in my hands. I read it carefully, and became convinced 
that I was wrong, and that no other scheme can be reconciled 
with a full, intelligent conception of the infinite perfections and 
attributes of God. This removed every difficulty in the way of 
my uniting with the Church, except a timidity which hung about 
me, and which still kept me from a public profession, until the 
approaching responsibilities of the married life fixed my purpose." 
He was received to the communion of the Church in 1822, and 
was ordained a ruling elder in 1836. In the matter of worldly 
substance his resolution was " to practice a rational economy in 
my own expenditures and a liberal profusion in the cause of my 
Master who has given me all I have." He was engaged in 
the Sunday School as teacher or superintendent thirty-six years. 

Two of his brothers, William S. and Theophilus G. were minis- 
ters of the Gospel. "Reminiscences" concerning William S., 
who became pastor at St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Potts furnished for 
Sprague's " Annals." The paper closes as follows : 

" As a specimen of his system in labor, I may mention that he 
kept, from the conmiencement of his ministry, a sort of historical 
record of all persons who joined his church, and it was printed, 



398 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

re-printed every four years, and distributed through the church. 
In this the brief history of every member was kept before his eye, 
and continued down year after year, and kept too before all his 
people. He considered a person who once joined his church, 
thenceforth a member of his family — to be visited, written to, 
watched over, and followed with the solicitude of parental affec- 
tion while he lived. Hence he knew intimately every" one of his 
members, and seldom failed to keep his eye upon them wherever 
they might wander. 

" It was his constant object to find work for every one of his 
people, and he kept them, as far as possible, at work. His maxim 
was, — ' to grow in grace, you must do your duty.' He was a man 
of practical ideas, and but little of a theorist. His test of Chris- 
tian character was not so much 'how do you feel,' as ' how do 
you perform your duty.' If you want me to tell you whether or 
no you love the Saviour, tell me first how you serve and obey 
him. " 



THOMAS PRENCE. 

GOVERNOR OF PLYMOUTH COLONY, 1634, 1638, 1657-1673.* 

Thomas Prence, a native of Gloucestershire, England, was 
born in the year 1600 ; died March 29, 1673. 

Having in hand " a respectable patrimony," he came to Amer- 
ica in 1621, in the ship Fortune, arriving at New Plymouth in the 
month of November. In the course of time he established his 
residence at Duxbury. 

He became Governor of the Colony in 1634, was again elected 
in 1638, again in 1657 as successor of Governor Bradford. From 
this date he received an annual election for sixteen years. 

Although the law required the Governor to reside at Plymouth, 
he held his residence at Duxbury by special arrangement, until 
1665. In October of that year, for greater convenience, he was 
requested to move to Plymouth, He accordingly took possession 
of the home provided by the Government, and his salary was 
established at fifty pounds per annum. 

Controversy arose between the sect known as Quakers, and the 
Civil Authority as sustained by Governor Prence. 

The General Court passed a law with this preamble : 
"Whereas sundry persons, both Quakers and others, wander up 
and down in this Jurisdiction, and follow no lawful calling, to 
earn their bread, and also do use all endeavors to subvert the 
civil state, and pull down all churches and ordinances of God, to 
thrust us out of the ways of God, notwithstanding all former laws 
provided for the contrary." And Mr. Humphrey Norton, repre- 
senting the Quakers, addressed words to Governor Prence after 
this style : " Thomas Prence, thou who hast bent thy heart to 
work wickedness, and with thy tongue hast set forth deceit ; thou 

* •' Governors of New Plymouth," by J. B. Moore ; Mather's " Magnalia." 

399 



400 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

imaginest mischief upon thy bed and hatchest thy hatred in thy 
secret chamber ; the strength of darkness is over thee ; and a 
maUcious mouth hast thou opened against God and his anointed, 
and with thy tongue and lips hast thou uttered perverse 
things. ..." 

Governor Prence rendered efficient service to the cause of 
education, in his efforts to establish in the Colony a system of 
schools sustained at the public expense. 

The character of Mr, Prence has been set forth in the follow- 
ing language : 

" He served God in the office of Governor sixteen years or 
near thereunto. . . . He was a worthy gentleman, very pious, 
and very able for his office, and faithful in the discharge thereof, 
studious of peace, a well-wisher to all that feared God, and a 
terror to the wicked." 

And Cotton Mather testifies : 

" Among the many excellent qualities which adorned him as 
Governor of the Colony, there was much notice taken of that 
integrity, wherewith indeed he was most exemplarily qualified ; 
whence it was that as he ever would refuse anything, that looked 
like a bribe, so if any person having a case to be heard at Court, 
had sent a present unto his family in his absence, he would pres- 
ently send back the value thereof in money unto the person." 

Mr. Prence was married in 1624 to Patience, daughter of 
William Brewster, by whom he had two children, a son and a 
daughter. He married for his second wife in 1635, Mary, 
daughter of William Collier, formerly a London merchant. They 
had seven children, all daughters. 



DAVID RAMSAY. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1 785.* 

James Ramsay, father of David, emigrated from Ireland to 
Pennsylvania at an early age. " By the cultivation of his farm, 
with his own hands, he provided the means of support and educa- 
tion for a numerous family. He was an intelligent and pious man 
and early instilled the principles of religion into the minds of his 
children." 

David Ramsay, youngest son of the preceding, was born in 
Lancaster County, Pa., April 2, 1749; died in Charleston, S. C, 
May 8, 1815. 

At the age of twelve, he applied for entrance to Princeton 
College and was found qualified for the Junior class. In conse- 
quence of his extreme youth, the faculty advised him to enter as a 
Sophomore. He passed through college with high reputation and 
took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1765, when sixteen years 
of age. He occupied two years as private tutor in a family in 
Maryland ; studied medicine in Philadelphia, practiced his pro- 
fession a year in Maryland, and then removed to Charleston, 
S. C. He bore with him this testimonial from Dr. Benjamin 
Rush: 

" Dr. Ramsay studied physic regularly with Dr. Bond, attended 
the hospital and public lectures of medicine, and afterwards was 
graduated Bachelor of Physic. It is saying but little of him to 
tell you, that he is far superior to any person we ever graduated 
at our college. I never saw so much strength of memory and 
imagination united to so fine a judgment. His manners are pol- 
ished, his conversation lively, and his behavior without oflfence. 

* Biographical Sketch, prefixed to Ramsay's " Life of Washington " ; 
Thacher's " Medical Biography " ; " Princeton Graduates," by Alexander. 
26 401 



402 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Joined to all these he is sound in his principles, strict, nay more, 
severe in his morals, .and attached not by education only, but by 
principle to the dissenting interest." 

Mr. Ramsay attended the army as a Surgeon ; was member of 
the Legislature of South Carolina for several years, beginning 
with 1776; was elected member of the Continental Congress in 
1782 ; was elected to represent the Charleston district in Con- 
gress in 1785 ; acted as President of that body in the absence of 
John Hancock. 

He obtained distinction as a Historian. " History of the Rev- 
olution in South Carolina," published in 1785, gained celebrity at 
home, and was translated and published in France. When a 
member of Congress he prepared " History of the American Rev- 
olution," which was published in 1790, took a high rank in Europe 
as well as in the United States, and passed through two large edi- 
tions. In 1809 he published " History of South Carolina, from its 
Settlement in 1670 to the Year 1803." 

He was strictly temperate. He usually slept four hours and 
arose before daylight. His evenings were allotted to recreation, 
and with the approach of twilight, he laid aside his book and pen, 
and gave himself to family enjoyments. 

He was not a judge of the affairs of the world, and in financial 
matters was unfortunate. By the Santee Canal in South Caro- 
lina, of which he was one of the projectors, he sustained a loss of 
$30,000. 

"He was a member of, and in full communion with the Inde- 
pendent or Congregational Church in Charleston. . . . He 
counted every one who did the will of his Heavenly Father, a 
brother in Christ." 

Dr. Ramsay's first wife was the daughter of President Wither- 
spoon, by whom he had a large family of children. He published 
her memoirs in 181 1. 



JOHN RANDOLPH. 

SENATOR IN CONGRESS, 1825-1827.* 

William Randolph, early ancestor of John, emigrated to Vir- 
ginia from Warwickshire, England. 

Richard Randolph, 'fourth son of William, grandfather of John, 
married Jane, the grand-daughter of Robert Boling and Jane 
Rolfe, the latter being the grand-daughter of Pocahontas. 

John Randolph, father of John, resident of Virginia, died in 1775, 
at the age of thirty-four, " leaving three sons and a large estate." 

John Randolph was born at Cawsons, Chesterfield Countyf Va., 
June 2, 1773 ; died in Philadelphia, June 24, 1833. 

He studied at Princeton and Columbia Colleges, and studied 
law for a time with Edmund Randolph, but did not practice. 

He was a Representative in Congress from 1799 to 181 2 ; 
re-elected in 1814, and again in 1818 ; and was a Senator in Con- 
gress from 1825 to 1827. In 1830 he was appointed by President 
Jackson Minister to Russia. 

" Mr. Randolph was distinguished alike for his genius, his effec- 
tive eloquence, and his power of sarcasm in debate. He had 
a quarrel with Henry Clay which resulted in a duel, when he 
allowed himself to be shot at, and then threw away his fire." 

" It is reported that when once speaking in his sarcastic way 
of certain pretenders to righteousness, he suddenly turned to Mr. 
Frelinghuysen, and pointing toward him said : ' This man does 
not boast of religion, but he has it, he has it.' " 

Says Bishop Meade, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of 
Virginia: "It being known that there was a family connection, 

• "National Portrait Gallery"; Lanman's "Biographical Annals"; New 
American Cyclopaedia; "Old Churches and Families of Virginia," by Bishop 
Meade ; New York Evangelist. 

403 



404 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

and some intimacy and correspondence, between Mr. Randolph 
and myself, I have been often asked my opinion as to his relig- 
ious character. It is as difficult to answer this, as to explain 
some other things, about this most talented, eccentric, and 
unhappy man. ... I publish the following letter written in 1815, 
when his mind seemed to be in a state of anxiety on the subject of 
religion ; and an extract from another paper in my possession, 
showing a supposed relief in the year 1818. Other letters I have 
during the period of our intimacy, of the same character. 

"Richmond, May 19, 1815. 

" It is with very great regret that I leave town about the time that you are 
confidently expected to arrive. Nothing short of necessity should carry me 
away at this time. I have a very great desire to see you to converse with you 
on the subject before which all others sink into insignificance. It continues 
daily to occupy more and more of my attention, which it has nearly engrossed 
to the exclusion of every other, and it is a source of pain as well as of occa- 
sional comfort to me. May He who alone can do it shed light upon my mind, 
and conduct me, through faith, to salvation. Give me your prayers. I have 
the most earnest desire for a more perfect faith than I fear I possess. What 
shall I do to be saved .'' I know the answer, but it is not free from difficulty. 
Lord, be merciful unto me a sinner. I do submit myself most implicitly to his 
holy will, and great is my reliance on his mercy. But when I reflect on the 
corruptions of my nature, I tremble whilst I adore. The merits of an all-aton- 
ing Saviour I hardly dare to plead when I think of my weak faith. Help, Lord, 
or I perish, but thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I know that I 
deserve to suffer for my sins ; for time misspent, faculties misemployed ; but 
above all, that I have not loved God and my neighbor as we are commanded to 
do. But I will try to confide in the promises we have received, or rather to 
comply with their conditions. Whatever be my fate, I will not harbor a mur- 
mur in my breast against the justice of my Creator. 

" Your afflicted friend, 

"John Randolph, of Roanoke. 

" Rev. William Meade." 

August, 1818. " It is now just nineteen years since sin first 
began to sit heavy upon my soul. For a very great part of that 
time I have been as a conscious thief ; hiding or trying to hide 
from my fellow-sinners, from myself, from my God. After much 
true repentance, followed by relapses into deadly sin, it hath 
pleased Almighty God to draw me to him ; reconciling me to him, 
and, by the love which driveth out fear, to show me the mighty 



JOHN RANDOLPH. 405 

scheme of his salvation, which hath been to me, as also to the 
Jews, a stumbling-block, and, as to the Greeks, foolishness. I am 
now, for the first time, grateful and happy ; nor would I exchange 
my present feelings and assurances, although in rags, for any 
throne in Christendom." 

In addition to what Mr. Meade has furnished, another author- 
ity produces a letter by Mr. Randolph, addressed to his half- 
brother, the Hon. St. George Tucker, in which the following 
passages occur. 

*' Did you ever read Bishop Butler's ' Analogy ' ? If not I will 
send it to you. Have you read The Book ? What I say upon 
this subject I not only believe, but I know to be true, that the 
Bible, studied with a humble and a contrite heart, never yet failed 
to do its work, even with those who from idiosyncrasy or dis- 
ordered minds have conceived that they were cut off from its 
promises of a life to come. 

Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find ; knock and it 
shall be opened unto you. This was my only support and stay 
during years of misery and darkness ; and just as T had begun to 
despair, after more than ten years of penitence and prayer, it 
pleased God to enable me to see the truth, to which till then my 
eyes had been sealed. To this vouchsafement I have made the 
most ungrateful returns. But I would not give up my slender 
portion of the price paid for our redemption — yes, my brother, our 
redemption — the ransom of sinners — of all who do not hug their 
chains, and refuse to come out from the house of bondage : I say 
that I would not exchange my little portion in the Son of David 
for the power and glory of the Parthian and Roman empires, as 
described by Milton in the temptation of our Lord and Sav- 
iour ; not for all with which the enemy tempted the Saviour of 
men. . . . But enough — and more than enough — . ... I will 
however, add, that no lukewarm seeker ever became a real Chris- 
tian ; for from the days of John the Baptist until noro, the kingdom 
of heaven su_ffcreth violence, and the violent take it by force ; a text 
which I read five hundred times before I had the slightest con- 
ception of its true application." 



406 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Mr, Randolph possessed a large estate on the Roanoke, 
owned upwards of three hundred slaves, and a large number of 
horses. While attending Congress, he resided in Georgetown, 
District of Columbia, and drove in, in style, for his duties at the 
Capitol. By his will, he manumitted his slaves, at the same time 
bequeathing funds for their settlement in a free state. He was 
never married. 

" Life of John Randolph," 2 vols., by Hugh A. Garland, was 
published, New York, 1850. 



WILLIAM REED. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 181I-1815.* 

William Reed, son of Benjamin T. and Mary Reed, was born 
in Marblehead, Mass., January 6, 1766; died there February 18, 

1837- 

He entered Harvard College at the age of fourteen, but did not 
graduate in consequence of the death of his father. He turned 
his attention to mechanical pursuits, and was largely prospered in 
his accumulations. 

In i8ii, at the age of thirty-five, he was elected Representative 
to Congress ; was re-elected in 1813, and served as member of 
the Massachusetts Council two years. 

" He united first with the Second Congregational Church in 
Marblehead, and in the year 1823 removed his relation to the 
First Congregational Church. He was the efficient promoter of 
evangelical religion as systematized and taught in the Westminster 
Assembly's Shorter Catechism. His personal labors were abun- 
dant, not only in circulating religious tracts among the inhabitants 
of the town (Marblehead), but in distributing them on his journeys 
and in his visits to other places. Among his last efforts for doing 
good were those for giving an extensive circulation throughout 
the various religious societies of the town, to the tract entitled, 
' Sixty Reasons for attending Public Worship.' He visited the 
sick and assisted the needy. Many an indigent family have had 
their necessities relieved by his beneficence, who never knew the 
hand that blessed them. He was a faithful friend of temperance. 
For twenty years he was President of the American Tract Society, 
being one of the five gentlemen named in the act of the Legis- 
lature incorporating it in 18 16." 

* Lanman ; Allen ; " Discourse," by Rev. Samuel W. Cozzens. 
407 



408 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

His wife was .Hannah, daughter of Mr, Hooper. "In attend- 
ing distant meetings of the American Board of Missions, she 
sometimes took with her, at her own expense, half-a-dozen female 
companions." 



TAPPING REEVE. 

JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CONNECTICUT, 1798-1814.* 

Tapping Reeve, son of Rev. Abner Reeve, of Brookhaven, 
L. I., was born at Brookhaven, October, 1744; died in Litchfield, 
Conn., December 13, 1823. 

He was graduated at Princeton College in 1763, and nine 
years after removed to Litchfield, Conn., where he began the 
practice of law. In 1784 he instituted the Litchfield law school, 
which soon became celebrated throughout the Union, and of 
which he was the sole instructor until 1798, when he associated 
with him, James Gould, continuing to give lectures himself until 
1820. He was a Judge of the Superior Court from 1798 to 1814. 
" He was the first eminent lawyer in America who labored to effect 
a change in the laws regarding the property of married women." 

" Mr. Reeve was an eminent Christian. Much of his time was 
employed in devotion. He was accustomed to pray particularly 
for the conversion of individuals among his acquaintance. His 
charities were extensive. His minister said of him: 'I have 
never known a man who loved so many persons with such ardor 
and was himself beloved by so many.' " 

He married for his first wife, the only daughter of President 
Burr, of Princeton College. She was in feeble health, demand- 
ing his care for twenty years. His only child, Aaron Burr Reeve, 
died in 1809, aged twenty-eight. 

The publications of Mr. Reeve are: "The law of ♦Baron and 
Femme ; of Parent and Child ; of Guardian and Ward ; of 
^L'^ster and Servant;" New Haven, 1816. " A Treatise on the 
Law of Descents in the Several United States of America ; " 
New York, 1825. 

* Appleton ; Allen ; " Princeton College," by Alexander. " Discourse," 
by Lyman Beecher. 

409 



JESSE ROOT. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF CONNECTICUT, 1796-1807.* 

Thomas Root, grandfather of Jesse, settled in Northampton, 
Mass., and " was one of the seven pillars of the church formed 
in 1661." 

Jesse Root, son of Ebenezer and Sarah Strong Root, was born 
in Northampton in 1736, died in 1822. 

He graduated at Princeton College in 1756, studied theology, 
and preached about three years without a formal settlement. He 
then studied law, in 1763 was admitted to practice, and settled in 
Hartford. 

In 1777 he raised a company, and joined the army of Washing- 
ton, and was made Lieutenant-Colonel. He was a Delegate to the 
Continental Congress from 1778 to 1783 ; was appointed Judge 
of the Superior Court in 1797 ; and was Chief-Justice of Con- 
necticut from 1796 till his resignation in 1807, on reaching the 
age of seventy. In 1800, Yale College conferred upon him the 
degree of Doctor of Laws. He was of commanding form and 
features, and as, a Judge was learned and dignified. 

" Through life, Mr. Root was a man of exemplary piety. To 
the great doctrines of the Gospel, he was ever strongly attached ; 
and he abounded in acts of charit}'. At the age of eighty-five 
he was accustomed to attend prayer meetings and religious con- 
ferences. In the evening of his death he said, ' I set out on a 
pleasant journey in the morning, and I shall get through to-night.' " 

He published, " Report of Cases Adjudged in the Superior 
Court, and in the Supreme Court of Errors of Connecticut, from 
1789 to 1798 ; illustrated by Notes on adjudged points and Rules 
of Practice ; " two vols.,. 8vo, Hartford, 1 798-1803. 

* Allen; "Northampton Antiquities," by Clark; "Princeton College," by 
Alexander. 

410 



DAVID RUMSEY. 

JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT OF NEW YORK, 1873-1881.* 

David Rumsey, father of David, was a printer and publisher, 
and was connected successively with the Washington County 
Post, at Salem, N. Y. ; the Farmer's Gazette, at Bath ; and the 
Cayuga Patriot, at Auburn. He had a family of nine children. 

David Rumsey of this sketch, was born at Salem, N. Y. , 
December 25, 1810; died at Bath, March 12, 1883. 

He studied law with Henry Welles, in 183 1 was admitted to 
the Bar at Bath, and there entered upon his profession. 

He was elected a Representative in Congress in 1846 ; re- 
elected in 1848. In 1873 he was appointed by Governor Dix one 
of the Justices of the Supreme Court, to fill the vacancy caused 
by the death of Thomas A. Johnson ; in November of this year 
was elected without opposition to the same office for a term of 
fourteen years. Having reached the constitutional limit of age, 
seventy years, he retired from the Bench January i, 188 1. 
Throughout his judicial district he commended himself by his 
wise decisions, and his facility in the dispatch of business. He 
had a rare knowledge of human nature, was kind to men of every 
class, and enjoyed a wide popularity. 

For more than fifty years he was a consistent member of the 
Presbyterian Church. In 183 1, while a student of law at Penn 
Van, he came under the influence of a religious awakening, which 
led him to avow himself openly as a follower of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. This step on the part of Mr. Rumsey produced its effect 
upon his friends in Bath, and an important revival of religion in 
•that town was the result. "He stood forth manfully in favor of 

♦Lanman's " Hiographical Annals"; Steuben Courier; "Discourse," by 
Rev. J. M. riatt. 

411 



4 1 2 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

an undiluted gospel. In pronouncing sentence upon a murderer 
to the penalty of death, he would at the same time commend to 
him the redemption purchased for us through the atoning blood 
of Christ." 

Mr. Rumsey married, in 1841, Jane E., daughter of Anthony 
Erown, of Ogdensburg, who, with a son and two daughters sur- 
vived him. The son, William, succeeded him as Justice of the 
Supreme Court. 



BENJAMIN RUSH. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1776.* 

Benjamin Rush was born in the township of Byberr}', about 
fourteen miles from Philadelphia, December 24, 1745 ; died at 
Philadelphia, April 19, 1813. 

He was early sent to the academy of his uncle, Rev. Samuel 
Finley, situated at Nottingham, Md. The inhabitants of the 
place were plain farmers, " remarkable for their simplicity, indus- 
try, morality and religion." In almost every dwelling the Word 
of God was read, and family prayer was offered. The learned 
instructor at this academy, Mr. Finley, who subsequently became 
president of Princeton College, maintained an interest in the 
religious welfare of his pupils, and " trained them for both 
worlds." 

Under these healthful influences, young Rush prepared for 
college, graduating at Princeton in 1760. He studied medicine 
under the care of Drs. Redman and Shippen ; in 1766 went to 
Edinburgh for further study, receiving the degree of M. D. at the 
university in that city in 1768. The following winter he spent in 
London; returned to Philadelphia in 1769; commenced practice, 
and was soon elected professor of chemistry in the Philadelphia 
Medical College. 

He was a Delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776 and 
1777; was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a 
member of the convention called to ratify the Federal Constitu- 
tion, and subsequently held the post of Cashier of the United 
States Mint. 

Between the 8th and isth of September, 1793, while the yellow 

* Thacher's "Medical Biography," v. 2; " Volume of Essays," Philadelphia, 
1798- 

413 



414 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

fever was raging, Dr. Rush visited and prescribed for more than 
a hundred patients a day. While at his meals, his house was 
filled with patients, chiefly the poor, waiting for advice. To assist 
him, three of his pupils. Stall, Fisher and Cox, became members 
of his family. He employed every moment in the intervals of his 
visits to the sick, in prescribing in his house for the poor, or in 
sending answers to messages from his patients. His sister 
counted forty-seven applicants for medical aid turned off in one 
forenoon before eleven o'clock. In riding through the streets he 
was often forced to resist the entreaties of parents imploring a 
visit to their children, or of children to their parents. While 
thus overwhelmed with business, and his own life endangered, he 
received letters from his friends in the country pressing him to 
leave the city. To one of these letters he replied, that he had 
resolved to stick to his practice and his patients, to the last 
extremity. 

" Piety to God, was an eminent trait in the character of Dr. 
Rush. It was his practice to close the day by reading to his col- 
lected family a chapter in the Bible, and addressing his Maker in 
prayer. His published writings bear testimony to his Christian 
virtues : and in a manuscript letter, written a short time previous 
to his last illness, he asserts, that he had acquired and received 
nothing from the world which he so highly prized, as the religious 
principles he received from his parents." 

The following are among the publications of Dr. Rush : 

" Inquiry into the Effects of Ardent Spirits upon the Human 
Body and Mind," eighth edition issued in 1814. One thousand 
copies presented by the author to the General Assembly of the- 
Presbyterian Church for gratuitous distribution. 

" Observations upon the Influence of the Habitual Use of 
Tobacco, upon Health, Morals, and Property." 

" The Latin and Greek Languages, as a Branch of Liberal 
Education ; with Hints of a Plan of Liberal Instruction without 
them." 

"A Defence of the Bible as a School Book." 

*' An Address to the Ministers of the Gospel of every Denomi- 
nation in the United States, upon Subjects Interesting to 
Morals." 



BENJAMIN RUSH. 4 1 5 

** Medical Inquiries and Observations " ; four volumes, 8vo. 
Fourth edition published in Philadelphia, 1815. 

In 1808, Mr. Rush engaged with Robert Ralston in form- 
ing a Ijible Society in Philadelphia, and wrote its Constitu- 
tion. 

In his " Defence of the Use of the Bible as a School Book," Mr. 
Rush assumes : 

"That the Bible contains more knowledge necessary to man in 
his present state than any other book in the world : that knowl- 
edge is most durable, and religious instruction most useful, when 
imparted in early life : that the Bible, when not read in schools, 
is seldom read in any subsequent period of life." 

Mr. Rush continues : 

" The memory is the first faculty which opens in the minds of 
children. Of hovir much consequence must it be to impress it 
with the great truths of Christianity before it is preoccupied with 
less interesting subjects ! As all the liquors whicli are poured 
into a cup generally taste of that which first filled it, so all the 
knowledge, which is added to that which is treasured up in the 
memory from the Bible generally, receives an agreeable and use- 
ful tincture from it." 

" There is an aptitude in the minds of children for religious 
knowledge. I have constantly found them in the first six or seven 
years of their lives, more inquisitive upon religious subjects than 
upon any others ; and an ingenious instructor of youth has 
informed me, that he has found young children more capable of 
receiving just ideas upon the most difficult tenets of religion than 
upon the most simple branches of human knowledge." 

" There is a wonderful property in the memory which enables it 
in old age to recover the knowledge it had acquired in early life, 
after it had been apparently forgotten for forty or fifty years. 
Of how much consequence must it be to fill the mind with that 
species of knowledge in childhood and youth, which, when re- 
called in the decline of life, will support the soul " 

.... "They have the same advantage over those persons who 
have only heard the Scriptures read by a master, that a man who 
has worked with tools has over the man who has only stood a few 
hours in a workshop." 



4 1 6 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN R ULERS. 

" I lament, that we waste too much time and money in punish- 
ing crimes, and take too Utile pains to prevent them. We profess 
to be republicans, and yet we neglect the only means of establish- 
ing and perpetuating our republican forms of government ; that is, 
the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christian- 
ity, by means of the Bible ; for this divine book, above all others, 
favors that equality among mankind, that respect for just laws, 
and all those sober and frugal virtues, which constitute the soul 
of republicanism." 

The Woman's Christian Temperance Union held a convention 
in Philadelphia, Pa., September 20-26, 1885, in commemoration 
of the issue of the temperance tract by Mr. Rush ; the occasion 
marking the completion of a century of temperance work. 

Mr. Rush was married in January, 1776, to Julia, daughter of 
Judge Stockton, of New Jersey. They had thirteen children, nine 
of whom survived their father. One son became Secretary of the 
United States Treasury. 



JACOB RUSH. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF PENNSYLVANIA,* 

Jacob Rush, brother of Benjamin Rush, was born in Byberry 
township, Pa., in 1746, and died in Philadelphia, January 5, 1820. 
He graduated at Princeton College in 1765 ; entered the profes- 
sion of the law ; was for many years presiding Judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas for Philadelphia ; and afterwards became Chief- 
Justice of the State. 

The following are passages from Mr. Rush before the Grand 
Jury : 

" // /s the LAW ; the Legislature have said so — should silence 
every objection, stop every mouth, and restrain every hand and 
foot.'" 

" Has the law said, Thou shalt do no unnecessary work, nor 
practice any sport or diversion on Sunday ? He that offends in 
those instances, against both heaven and earth, is a bad citizen, 
and a bad man." 

[Of the second section of the law of 1794] "This section 
imposes a penalty of sixty-seven cents, for profanely cursing and 
swearing by the name of God, Christ Jesus, or the Holy Ghost." 

"Order is heaven's first law — and should be the first law of 
earth. Universal obedience to His infinitely holy and unerring 
laws, is necessarily productive of universal order, and universal 
order is necessarily productive of universal happiness." 

In an address delivered before the Grand Jury of Luzerne 
County, April, 1801, Mr. Rush says: 

" It has long been my opinion, that the relaxation of domestic 
authority is one of the most alarming symptoms both of the 

♦"Princeton College During the Eighteenth Century," by Alexander; 
"Charges on Moral and Religious Subjects," by Rush. 

27 417 



41 8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

degeneracy and dangerous situation of our country. If we permit 
our children to do as they please, to frequent what company they 
please, and to keep what hours they please, nothing can be ex- 
pected but that our country, ere long, will swarm with a race of 
beings that neither fear God, nor regard man. Such are the 
incalculable advantages of discipline over young persons, that I 
have often thought (religion and a future state out of the ques- 
tion) it would be the height of wisdom to compel them to keep 
the most exact hours, to oblige them to a regular attendance on 
the public institutions of Christianit}^, to confine them to their 
own homes on Sunday, at least some portion of the day, and in 
various other instances of a similar nature to restrain them, if it 
were only to impress them with habits of early surbordination to 
private authority, in order to lay a proper foundation of obedi- 
ence to //if^^/z'^ government and the laws of the land," 

The following is a copy of the remarkable sentence, by Mr. 
Rush, November, 1797, in the case of Benjamin Bailey, for the 
murder of Jost Folhafer. 

" You have had a fair and impartial trial. The witnesses have 
been examined in your presence. You selected your own jury, 
and have been ably and zealously defended by your counsel. . . . 
The evidence on the trial made so strong an impression, as to 
combine in one sentiment against you, the Court, the jury, and 
the by-standers. 

" As you have but a short time to live in this world, and there 
is no hope of pardon from any earthly hand, let me urge you to 
seek a pardon from above. 

" It is the consolation of the wretched and the guilty that God is 
infinitely merciful. But it should be remembered that He is mer- 
ciful, not to him who continues in the practice of sin, but to him 
only who repents and utterly forsakes it. 

" Be assured, the question is not, whether you must repent of 
your sins. That is certain sooner or later. But the question is, 
whether it is not better to repent in this world, where your repent- 
ance may be attended with the happiest effects, than to repent 
hereafter. 

"You have imbrued your hands in innocent blood for the sake 



JACOB RUSH. 4ig 

of a little money. And though the water of the mountain hath 
washed the stain from your garments, and from your hands, yet 
oceans of water can never wash away the stain of guilt from your 
conscience. Nothing can possibly do this, but the efficacious and 
all-cleansing blood of a Saviour. 

" Be advised, therefore, immediately, to set about the great duty 
of repentance, and working out your salvation, with fear and 
trembling. 

" You have not a moment to lose ; exert yourself, and if you 
have never prayed before strive to pray now for the first time ; for 
prayer is the very breath of Heaven, and without it there is no 
religion, no repentance, no pardon on earth. 

" Weep over your sins> and if you cannot so much as look up to 
Heaven, perhaps with downcast eyes, smiting your breast, you 
may both feel and express the fervent wish of the publican. 

" Let me earnestly advise and beseech you, to send for some 
pious clergyman, and to converse freely with him. And who 
knows, but through the blessing of God on your endeavors, you 
may be presented without spot or blemish, before the throne of 
the Lamb, and shine hereafter among the spirits of just men 
made perfect, in the realms of ineffable glory and felicity." 

A work was published in 1S04, entitled "Charges and Extracts 
of Charges on Moral and Religious Subjects ; delivered at sundry 
times by the Hon. Jacob Rush, with a recommendation by the 
Reverend Clergy of the Presbyterian Church in the city of Phil- 
adelphia ; whose names are as follows : Ashbel Green, Jacob J. 
Janeway. ..." 

In 1806, Mr. Rush published "Character of Christ"; in 1819, 
" Christian Baptism." 



THOMAS RUSSELL. 

MEMBER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, 1789-1793.* 

Richard Russell, born in Hereford, Herefordshire, England, 
came to Charlestown in 1640, became a merchant, and acquired a 
handsome estate. He represented the town in the General Court 
from the year 1646 till 1659, when he was chosen an Assistant or 
Councillor, in which office he continued till his death in 1676. 
To Charlestown he gave a valuable farm, lying in Lynfield, the 
income of which was to be distributed among the poor of the 
town, at the discretion of the Selectmen and Deacons. He gave 
also, legacies to the clergymen then serving in Boston, Charles- 
town, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, Roxbury and Dorchester. 

James Russell, eldest son of Richard Russell, succeeded his 
father in his mercantile business and his public offices. 

Daniel Russell, son of James Russell, was a member of his 
Majesty's Council for the Province of Massachusetts for upwards 
of twenty years. His conscientious fidelity procured him univer- 
sal approbation. 

James Russell, second son of Daniel Russell, was born in 
Charlestown, and was also a member of the Massachusetts Council. 
" While his family and his closet witnessed his constant devotions, 
his life adorned the religion which he professed." He married 
Katherine, daughter of Thomas Greaves, "whose life of undis- 
sembled piet)% and whose amiable, social and domestic virtues 
endeared her to her friends." 

Thomas Russell of the present sketch, son of James and 
Katherine Russell, was born in Charlestown, Mass., April 7, 1749; 
died in Boston, April 8, 1796. 

" Eulogy," by Dr. John Warren, 1796; "Discourses," by Rev. Jedediah 
Morse, and Rev. Peter Thacher. 

420 



THOMAS RUSSELL. 42 1 

" He was early placed at a private school conducted by Mr. 
Gushing, one of the ablest preceptors of the period. The residue 
of his education was committed to Thomas Green, a principal 
merchant in the town of Boston. The best men in the province 
patronized this house in educating their sons for mercantile life, 
Mr. Green took great pains to prevent his apprentices falling into 
licentious or idle courses, and to educate them not only skillful 
merchants, but likewise good men." 

Mr. Russell carried on the business of a merchant with differ- 
ent fortunes but with ultimate success. At one time he well-nigh 
lost the whole of what he had acquired. His trade extended to 
distant lands. He sent forth the first ship ever employed by 
the United States in the trade to Russia. 

" In the year 1788 he was chosen a Representative of the town 
of Boston to the General Court, and the same year he was chosen 
a Delegate to the convention for deliberating on the adoption of 
the Federal Constitution. In the year 1789 he was elected into 
the Council of the Commonwealth, a circumstance which fur- 
nishes tJie singular instance of this honor being continued in the 
same family through five successive generations. He retained his 
seat there until the year 1794." 

Mr. Russell was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of 
Arts and Sciences; was elected President of the Society for 
Propagating the Gospel among the Indians in North America, 
and to this institution gave the sum of two hundred pounds ; was 
a member of the Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society, and was 
the largest subscriber to their funds ; was elected President of the 
Humane Society, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Gov- 
ernor Bowdoin. Concerning this last appointment he was often 
heard to say that of all the offices and honors bestowed on him, 
this had been tiie most acceptable. 

Having accumulated wealth he was careful to place it where it 
was secure, being averse to every species of speculation. He 
often deposited money in the hands of others for the benefit of 
the poor, to be disposed of discretionately, under the strictest 
charge of not divulging his name. To needy families he gave an 
annual distribution of fuel, enjoining secresy upon the persons by 
whom it was supplied. To persons under embarrassment, he was 



422 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

known to lend money and refuse interest, and to young persons of 
prudence and industry, he exercised the same generosity. 

*' Mr. Russell was not ashamed publicly to profess religion, and 
avow his attachment to the cross of Christ in the face of the 
world." 

" In disposition, he was mild, affectionate and amiable. He 
was naturally and from habit, the gentleman." 

"He did not allow himself in censuring or condemning any 
man, and conversation of this kind in others was disagreeable to 
him, of which he did not fail to give evidence." 

"The history of his charities and donations for the advance- 
ment of religion, learning, humanity, and the useful arts, would 
fill a volume." 

" As a merchant, he was, in the acknowledgment of all, among 
the first, if not the first in the United States." 



DANIEL SAFFORD. 

SENATOR IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1845, 184^.* 

" Samuel Safford, father of Daniel, was a substantial farmer, a 
sensible and well informed man, whose daily life was strictly con- 
formed to the principles of the Bible. He managed his worldly 
affairs with prudence ; and the wants of his family being simple, 
they were enabled to live respectably on a moderate income." 

Daniel Safford, youngest of four sons of Samuel and Priscilla 
Safford, was born in Hamilton, Essex County, Mass., October 
30, 1792 ; died in Boston, February 3, 1856. 

"During his childhood, the parents, an aged and very godly 
grandfather and grandmother, the four sons, and usually one 
domestic, constituted the family." 

At a school-house, about a mile from his father's dwelling, 
Daniel received his education. Until he was eight years old he 
attended six weeks in the summer, and as many in the winter. 
On arriving at that age, his services were required on the farm, 
and his school privileges were limited to the six weeks in winter. 
When hoeing in the field, his father allowed him to skip every 
other hill, and thereby keep abreast with the men. One year his 
father gave him a small piece of ground to cultivate for himself, 
which he planted with potatoes. The crop brought him fifty 
cents, the first money he ever possessed. 

Being employed to carry milk to market during one season, in 
his boyhood, a customer once querulously said to him as he was 
measuring her supply : " How much water do you think you have 
put in it ? " He made no reply, but never carried milk to her 
again. 

* '.' Memoir of Daniel Safford," by Mrs. Safford, Koston, 1861. 
423 



424 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

On one occasion in Daniel's youth, his father administered 
punishment. There had been a " raising " in the village, ardent 
spirits were served, and when the day closed, Daniel, then about 
fourteen years old, was induced to go into the bar room of a 
neighboring tavern. The hours passed on, and he who had 
never before transgressed, by remaining out late at night, found to 
his astonishment, it was eleven o'clock. On going home, he 
opened the door gently, and went carefully to his chamber. The 
father had been sitting by the kitchen fire, and after a little con- 
sideration, followed the transgressor to his apartment, drew quietly 
near and inflicted a sudden stroke of the rod. Not a word of 
explanation was uttered, either before or after the punishment; 
yet Daniel understood its meaning and recognized its justice. 

Towards his brothers, David, Samuel and Ephraim, he cher- 
ished in youth a tender interest. In speaking of them he once 
said ; " I did love my brothers very much when we were children 
together ; and after we became men, when Ephraim made a good 
voyage, or the other succeeded well in business, it made me quite 
as happy, and I am inclined to think even more so than when I 
succeeded myself." 

" At the age of sixteen," says Mr. Safford, " I went to Salem 
as an apprentice to my brother David, at the blacksmith's busi- 
ness. . . . Near the close of the year 18 12, when I was a little 
more than twenty years old, my brother, who had another appren- 
tice, and very little business, told me he would give me the 
remainder of my time, if I would release him from his obligation 
to give me, as was then the custom, a " freedom suit " of clothes. 
I accepted this proposition, and on the last Saturday of December 
came to Boston, having in hand about twenty dollars, with forty 
more due me, which I could not then collect. This money I had 
earned during my apprenticeship, by working at unseasonable 
hours. I was poorly clad, and knew the face of but one man in 
Boston. Business was dull, in consequence of the existing war 
with England. I thought if I could earn a living the first year, I 
should do well, and be satisfied. At the close of the year, I 
found to my surprise, that I had gained three hundred dollars." 

His business as the years went on, was not altogether that of 
the ordinary blacksmith. Many of the ornamental iron fences 



DANIEL S AFFORD. 425 

first constructed in Boston, were of his device and workmanship, 
and he contracted for the building of the iron fence around the 
Common. 

During the early years of his business in Boston, he never 
entered a theatre or a dancing hall, never visited a billiard room 
or a drinking shop. He strictly observed the Sabbath, attending 
regularly at Park Street Church. On lifting his eyes from his 
work one day, he saw the majestic figure of the Rev. Dr. Grifiin 
enter his shop. " I have come to seek you out," he said, " having 
noticed your constant attendance upon my preaching." 

In matters of dress and personal appearance he was exact. At 
a dinner given to Lafayette by the Mechanics Association, of 
which he was a member, on being introduced as the leading black- 
smith of the city, Lafayette remarked : " I should sooner have 
taken him for the leading tailor." 

Mr. Safford accepted such positions of civil trust as he felt he 
could consistently fill. He was urged by friends in high esteem 
to be a candidate for Mayor of the city of Boston, but felt he 
must decline. He was chosen a Representative to the Massa- 
chusetts General Court in 1833, ^835, 1836 and 1837. In 1845 
and 1846 he represented the county of Suffolk in the State 
Senate. As a Legislator he was modest, seldom speaking, never 
at length, and was ever punctual in his place. 

Soon after Mr.. Safford went to Salem, the question of personal 
religion engaged his attention. He spent his evenings in read- 
ing the Bible, and attending religious meetings. Said he : "I 
became convinced of my lost condition as a sinner against God, 
and my need of such a Saviour as the Gospel provides. I trust I 
was ultimately led by the Spirit of God, to commit my soul unre- 
servedly to Him. For a longtime my hope that I was a Christian 
was feeble and vacillating, so that I did not offer myself to the 
Church until I w.as about nineteen years old. I was then received 
into the Tabernacle Church in Salem, of which Rev. Dr. Wor- 
cester was Pastor." 

His surrender to the Saviour brought forth fruit. 

[Having left Salem for Boston.] " About this time I was 
informed that a poor, pious old widow lived in an attic room near 
my shop. I went to see her, and found her almost without fuel, 



426 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

and her room cold. I got a small load of wood for her, hired a 
man to saw it, and went and carried it up a narrow stairway, and 
piled it in her chamber. The gratitude which she expressed gave 
me more pleasure than any like sum which I ever spent for my- 
self." 

As his business increased, he began to take apprentices, and 
received them into his own family. He required them all to be 
present at family devotions, to go regularly to some place of wor- 
ship on the Sabbath, to always be at home for the night as early 
as ten o'clock. 

One who in early life was apprenticed to him, and subsequently 
became a partner in the business, says : " It was a conversation 
which he had with me by the door of the shop, after the business of 
the day was closed, and the other workmen had retired, together 
with his prayers for me, which availed to bring me to Christ." 

An Irish Catholic woman, who had been for many years a cook 
in the city, applied for a situation at Mr. Safford's. She was told 
that the servants, being considered as members of the household, 
were expected to be present at family prayers. She replied that 
that would not prevent her coming, and that she wished to come 
to this house because no dinners were cooked on the Sabbath. 
She was a widow with grown up daughters ; a strict Catholic ; 
and had refused to speak to one of her children who had become a 
Protestant. After coming into the family, she continued to attend 
her own Church, no one interfering with her religious views. She 
came regularly to prayers, and read in her turn in the Scriptures, 
being allowed to use the Douay version. One morning, during 
the singing of the hymn, the tears were seen on her cheeks. As 
she passed out of the room, she said to the other servants : 
"What beautiful hymns those are!" A short time after she 
asked Mrs. Safford if her Church would be willing to have her 
little nephew, eight years old, come to their Sabbath School. At 
length she asked one day if she could obtain a seat in their 
Church, saying : " I prefer your religion," 

During one winter, Mr. Safford invited to his house the mem- 
bers of the Church in order, as their names stood on the register, 
seventy or eighty at a time. Among the company one evening 
was a colored sister, who could not understand that she was 



DANIEL SAFFORD. 42/ 

invited to visit, and had come in her washing dress. She was 
furnished with a cap and bhxck silk apron, and conducted to the 
parlors, where she received rather more attention from all classes 
than any other one present. He made it a rule, in every social 
gathering at his house, to have a short season of worship — the 
singing of a hymn, or reading from the Bible, followed by prayer. 

From Mr. Safford's private record, dated 1850, we have the 
following: '■'March 7th. — Commenced a neighborhood meeting 
among the colored people in May Street, assisted by Deacon K. 
8th. — Distributed tracts in West Margin Street. Most of the 
inhabitants Roman Catholics." 

In 1832, when worth forty thousand dollars, he pens the follow- 
ing : " In view of the numerous calls for benevolent contribu- 
tions, and my accountability to God as a servant of his bounty, I 
here record my determination to give all my future earnings and 
all the income of my property, after defraying the necessary 
expenses of my familj', to such charitable objects as shall most 
commend themselves to my judgment : while I would continue to 
pay suitable regard to economy and industry." This resolution 
was observed during the remainder of his life. The entire 
amount paid by him as " due to charity " during thirty years, was 
$70,825.29. Rev, Dr. Kirk speaks of him as follows: "Our 
intimacy was that of brothers, for sixteen years. We studied, 
labored, prayed, journeyed, suffered, and rejoiced together," 

Mr, Safiford was four times married. In 1817 to Miss Sarah 
Ashton, of Boston ; in 1828 to Miss Abby Jane Bigelow, of Col- 
chester, Conn., who within seventeen months after marriage was 
called away, leaving an infant child six weeks old; in 1831 to 
Mrs. Mary S, Boardman. In one year and three months after 
their marriage she too was taken from his side, leaving art infant 
son. " When she was gone," says Mr. Safford, " I immediately 
went to my chamber, where I had a severe struggle with feelings 
which pen cannot describe. But I do hope that there my hard 
heart broke down, and that by divine assistance, I was enabled to 
commit my Mary, myself, and my all, to Him who never corrects 
his children willingly, but always for their good." In 1833, at the 
house of Rev, J. Edwards, in Andover, he married Mrs. Turner, 

In the year 1854, he gave to each of his two sons $5,000. 



RICHARD SALTONSTALL 

MAGISTRATE FOR PLYMOUTH COLONY.* 

Richard Saltonstall, born in England in 1586, became one 
of the Massachusetts Bay Company, 1628, "in whose charter he 
was the first named of the eighteen assistants." 

" He was a worthy Puritan, and the first founder of the Church 
at Watertown." Edward Johnson thus brings him to notice : 
" This town began by occasion of Sir Richard Saltonstall, who at 
his arrival, having some score of cattle, with servants, wintered in 
those parts." 

He wrote a letter of rebuke to the ministers of Boston, and says : 
" It doth not a little grieve my spirit to hear what sad things are 
reported daily of your tyranny and persecutions in New England, 
as that you fine, whip and imprison men for their consciences. 
We pray for you, and wish you prosperity every way, and not to 
practice these courses in a wilderness which you went so far to 
prevent .... I hope you do not assume to yourselves infallibility 
of judgment, when the most earnest of the apostles confessed to 
know but in part. Oh ! that all of those who are brethren, though 
yet they cannot speak and think the same things, might be of one 
accord in the Lord .... The Lord give you meek and humble 
spirits." 

He returned to England, taking with him his two daughters and 
one son, leaving behind his two oldest sons, Richard, the elder, 
being at this time twenty years of age. He continued to take a 
deep interest in the affairs of New England, and became one of 
the patentees of the Colony of Connecticut. 

* Young's " Chronicles of Massachusetts " ; Drake's " History of Middlesex 
County " ; Johnson's " Wonder- Working Providence " ; Eliot's " Biographical 
Dictionary." 

428 




GOVERNOR SALTONSTALL 



GURDON SALTONSTALL. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1708-1724.* 

GuRDON Saltonstall, great-grandson of Sir Richard, First 
Assistant of Massachusetts, and son of Nathaniel, one of his 
Majesty's Council, was born at Haverhill, Mass., in 1666; died at 
New London, Conn., in 1724. 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1684, studied divinity, 
was ordained pastor of the First Congregational Church in New 
London, Nov, 25, 1691, and held the position fifteen years. 
'•He did good to the souls of men, and was frequently con- 
sulted by the magistrates of Connecticut upon their most impor- 
tant affairs." 

By the advice of the clergy, he was persuaded to undertake the 
chief direction of the civil affairs of the colony. In 1707, on the 
death of Fitz-John Winthrop, Esq., a special Assembly was con- 
vened on the 17th of December, by Deputy-Governor Treat at 
New Haven, for the purpose of electing another Governor. The 
Assembly ordered that the votes of both houses should be mixed 
before they were sorted and counted, and that the majority of 
votes should determine the choice. Upon counting the votes, the 
Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall was declared to be chosen Governor. 
Four of the magistrates, the Speaker of the House, with three 
of the deputies, were appointed a committee to acquaint him 
with the choice, and solicit his acceptance. And to the Church 
and congregation at New London the Assembly wrote, acquaint- 
ing them with Mr. Saltonstall's call, as appeared to them, to 
leave the ministry for the duties of Chief Magistrate. Mr. 

* Trumbull's " History of Connecticut " ; Allen ; Eliot ; Rees' " Cyclopedia " ; 
" Discourse," by Rev. Eliphalet Adams ; Newspaper item. 

429 



430 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Saltonstall accepted the office, and on the first of January, 1708, 
took the oaths appointed by law. 

The Assembly repealed the law which required that the 
Governor should always be chosen from among the magistrates 
in nomination, and gave Hberty for the freemen to elect him 
from among themselves at large. At the election, May 13, 1708, 
Mr. Saltonstall was chosen Governor by the freemen, and held 
the office for sixteen successive years. 

The Saybrook platform, so called, changing the Congregational 
mode of Church government to conform somewhat to that of 
the Presbyterian, had its origin with Mr. Saltonstall. 

The following anecdote is told of Mr. Saltonstall : 

" Of the various sects that have flourished for a day and then 
ceased to exist, was one known as the Rogerites. Their distin- 
guishing tenet was, that marriage was an agreement simply 
between the two parties, without the civil contract. In New 
London, there was a certain John , thus living by agree- 
ment, with Sarah, his so-called wife, to the great annoyance 
of Governor Saltonstall. The latter, after debating the matter, 
thus presented the question to the two parlies : ' Now, John, why 
will you not marry Sarah ? Have you not taken her to be your 
lawful wife ? ' ' Yes, certainly,' replied John ; 'but my conscience 
will not permit me to marry her in the forms of the world's 
people.' 'Very well. But you love her?.' 'Yes.' 'And 
cherish her as the bone of your bone, and the flesh of your 
flesh?' 'Yes, certainly I do.' 'And will?' 'Yes.' Then 
turning to Sarah, the Governor said : ' And you love and obey 
him?' 'Yes.' 'And respect and cherish him?' 'Certainly I 
do.' 'And will?' 'Yes.' 'Then,' said the Governor, rising, 
'in the name of the laws of God and of the Commonwealth 
of Connecticut, I pronounce you man and wife.' The knot was 
tied by the highest authority of the State." 

Rev. Mr. Adams, of New London, wrote as follows of Mr. 
Saltonstall : " Who did not admire his wisdom, his learning, his 
dexterity in business, his application, his acquaintance with men 
and things, his superior genius ? And what is more than all this, 
his unaffected piety and love to God's house ; his exact life 
and exemplary conversation ? Would his humility have permitted, 



GURDON SAL TONSTALL. 43 I 

he might justly have made use of the words of Job — ' Unto 
me men gave ear and waited, and kept silence at my counsel. 
After my words they spake not again.' His aspect was noble 
and amiable, commanding respect and attracting esteem at the 
first appearance ; and there was such an air of greatness and 
goodness in his whole deportment, as showed him to be peculiarly 
formed for government." 

Mr. Saltonstall married Mrs. Mary Clark, daughter of William 
Whittingham, a descendant of the early Puritan, Rev. William 
Whittingham. " She was a woman of superior knowledge, wis- 
dom, and good sense, and above all, was adorned with exemplary 
piety." She gave ;^ioo to each of the two New England Colleges, 
and by will _;^iooo more to Harvard, "to be appropriated 
to two students of bright parts, sober lives, designed for the 
ministry." Among her other bequests she gave ;^ioo to the 
poor of Boston. 



SAMUEL SEWALL. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT, 1718- 

1728* 

In a letter to his son, who enquired of his father respecting 
their genealogy, Mr. Sewall wrote the following : 

" Mr. Henry Sewall, my great-grandfather, was a linen draper 
in the city of Coventry, in Great Britain. He acquired a great 
estate, was a prudent man, and Mayor of the city. 

" Henry Sewall, my grandfather, was his eldest son, who out 
of dislike to the English hierarchy, sent over his only son, my 
fath'er, Mr. Henry Sewall, to New England in the year 1634, 
with caitle and provisions suitable for a new plantation. 

"On the 25th of March, 1646, Richard Saltonstall joined 
together in marriage my father and my mother; Jane Dummer, 
my mother, about nineteen years old." 

History further reveals concerning Henry Sewall, father of 
Samuel : On arriving in New England in 1634, he established 
himself at Newbury, Mass. After a time, he returned to England, 
resided at Warwick, then removed to Bishop-Stoke in Hampshire, 
and in the year 1661, returned'with his family to New England. 

Samuel Sewall was born at Bishop-Stoke, England, March 28, 
1652 ; was baptized the Sunday following, in the church of the 
place, by Rev. Mr. Rashly ; died at Boston, Mass., January 30, 

^730. 

He was nine years of age when he came with his father and 
family to New E^ngland. His early education was conducted by 
Mr. Parker, of Newbury, whom Edward Johnson mentions as " a 

* Whitman's " History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company"; 
" New England Historical Register"; "Discourse," by Rev. Thomas Prince; 
" Panoplist," February, 180S. 

432 



SAMUEL SEIVALL. 433 

sincere servant of Christ." After graduating at Harvard College, 
he studied Divinity, expecting to engage in the Christian ministry. 
Circumstances, however, seemed to open another course of use- 
fulness. 

He was an Assistant under the old charter from 1684 till 1686 ; 
served several years as member of the Council ; was appointed 
Judge of the Superior Court in 1692, and was Chief-Justice of the 
Massachusetts Supreme Court, from 17 18 to 1728. 

Mr. Sewall writes to Nathaniel Dummer, of England : 

"February 2, 1684. ' 
" Loving Uncle : . . It so fell out that not long since I was the owner of 
a printing press and Letters, and practiced something myself in that science. 
Not to mention other things, I composed the Assembly's Catechism. Have 
sent six hundred of them in a small box, which entreat the young persons of 
Bishop-Stoke will kindly accept from him who cannot but affectionately re- 
member his native soil." 

Judge Sewall gave his influence and authority against the 
persons who in 1692 were tried for witchcraft. At a Public 
Fast, January 14, 1697, he presented to his minister. Rev. 
Samuel Willard, a " bill," in which he made humble confession 
of his sin and guilt in those proceedings, and which was read 
in presence of the congregation while he remained standing. 

Mr. Sewall was a friend to the Indians, and built them 'z. 
synagogue at his own expense. He inclined to the belief that 
the Aborigines were part of the ancient people of God, and that 
the ten tribes by some means had strolled into America. He 
deplored the system of African Slavery, and in 1700 published a 
tract in which the rights of the slave were advocated, entitled : 
" The Selling of Joseph." 

Rev. Thomas Prince commends the character of Mr. Sewall : 
" Let us look into the Council Chamber, and see his great 
concern for the honor of God, the reputation of Government, and 
the welfare of his country. 

. " Let us enter into the Courts of Justice, and see him patient, 

grave, and fixed in his attachment to the laws of God ; a terror 

to the children of Belial ; defending the poor and the fatherless ; 

doing justice to the afflicted and needy. And while he con- 

28 



434 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

demns the flagitious criminal to bodily pains, his bowels yearn, 
and his lips speak life to the precious soul. 

" Let us go into the Religious Assembly, and there see his 
seat constantly filled, with the Bible before him to try every 
doctrine. 

"Let us visit his Family, and there behold . . . how every 
Sabbath is kept from evening to evening, in a sacred manfter ; 
and every day, morning and evening, the Scriptures read, and his 
prayers with his household go up as incense to Heaven. How 
he instructs and counsels those under his care, and makes them 
easy and wise together. How free his table to the learned and 
pious, how welcome is . . . every comer with freedom and cour- 
tesy, every, poor with wise advice and alms." 

Mr. Sewall was three times married. His first wife was 
Hannah, only child of Capt. John Hull, of whom he thus speaks : 
"In 1674, I took my second degree at Harvard College, and 
Hannah Hull, my dear wife, saw me when I took my degrees, 
and set her affections on me ; though I knew nothing of it till 
after our marriage." By her he received ^30,000. His second 
wife was Mrs. Abigail Filley, and his third wife was Mrs. Mary 
Gibbs. He had children by his first wife only, seven sons and 
seven daughters. 

When called to afifliction in the loss of two sons, ne requested 
his friend and correspondent. Rev. Isaac Watts, of England, to 
write a letter of consolation to his wife. The following are 
passages from Mr. Watts, in his letter of November 7, 1728. 

" Have you lost two lovely children ? Did you make them 
your idols .'' If you did, God has saved you from idolatry. If 
you did not, you have your God still, and a creature cannot be 
miserable who has a God. The little words '■My God' have 
infinite more sweetness than '■my sons' or ^ my daughters.' . . 
Had you not devoted them to Him in baptism ? Are you dis- 
pleased that God calls for his own 1 Was not your heart sincere 
in the resignation of them to Him? Show then, Madam, the 
sincerity of your heart in leaving them in the hand of God. . . 
Endeavor to employ yourself in some business or amusement 
of life continually, lest a solitary and inactive frame of mind 



SAMUEL SEW ALL. 435 

tempt you to sit brooding over your sorrows, and nurse them to 
a dangerous size. . . Forgive the freedom of a stranger, Madam, 
who desires to be the humble and faithful servant of Christ and 
souls. 

" Isaac Watts." 

His son, Joseph Sewall, graduated at Harvard College, was 
associated with four different colleagues in the pastorate of the 
Old South Church in Boston, and had a ministry of fifty-five 
years. [His last colleague, Mr. Blair, preceded the Mr. Bacon 
who entered upon civil office.] 

The diary of Samuel Sewall was published in the "Massachu- 
setts Historical Collections." 



GEORGE SHARSWOOD. 

JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1868.* 

George Sharswood was born in Philadelphia, July 7, 1810; 
died there, May 28, 1883. 

He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, in 1828 ; 
studied law, and came to the Philadelphia Bar in 183 1 ; was 
appointed Judge of the District Court in 1845 ; was President 
Judge from 185 1 to 1867 ; and in 1868 became Judge of the 
Supreme Court of the State. 

Mr. Sharswood was converted under the ministry of Rev. Dr. 
William Engles. He made his confession before the Session of 
the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, on Wednes- 
day evening, July 10, 1833, and was publicly baptized on the 
Friday evening following. He was ordained a Ruling Elder, 
June 8, 1856, and served in that office almost twenty-seven 
years. 

" The virtue of humility was greatly exalted in his religious 
experience, and he sat at the feet of Jesus with the meekness 
and faith of a little child. Speaking once concerning scepticism, 
he expressed the fear that he could not view with becoming 
charity and intellectual sympathy unbelief in his fellows, because 
he had never known the sentiment ; his mind was free — abso- 
lutely free — from religious doubt. 'Indeed,' he continued, 'I 
could almost wish that I had somewhat of doubt upon some point 
of faith, that I might win the high satisfaction of overcoming it.' " 

The following are passages from the writings of Mr. Shars- 
wood : 

" Legislation is the noblest work in which the intellectual 

* Lanman ; " Discourse," by Rev. Henry C. McCook. 
436 



GEORGE SIIARSWOOD. 437 

powers of man can be engaged, as it resembles most closely the 
work of the Deity." 

" The power of society over its individual members, or, in 
other words, sovereignty, which is practically vested in the 
Legislature, is a type of the Divine power which rules the phys- 
ical and moral universe." 

" Is it possible that a being so fearfully and wonderfully made 
as man, and animated by a spirit still more fearful and incompre- 
hensible, was created for the brief term of a few revolutions of 
the planet he lives on ? ... No, this mind can never die ! Its 
moral progress must go on in an unending existence, of which 
its life of fourscore years on earth is scarce the childhood. Let 
us beware, then, of raising these objects of ambition, wealth, 
learning, honor, and influence, worthy though they be, into an 
undue importance." 

Mr. Sharswood was fond of the classics. He habitually read 
the Greek Testament, and would frequently discuss with a clerical 
friend the precise meaning of particular passages. When in 
middle life, he studied Hebrew, and read the Old Testament 
entirely through in the original. 

With his friends he was eminently social and genial, giving 
way to humor and wit, and choice bits of wisdom. 

He published, "Essay on Professional Ethics," third edition, 
1869 ; "Lectures Introductory to the Study of the Law," 1870. 

Columbia College conferred upon him the degree of LL. D., 
in 1856. 



WILLIAM SHEPHERD. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1797-1803.* 

William Shepherd, son of Deacon John Shepherd, was born 
near Boston, Mass., December i, 1737 ; died in Westfield, Mass., 
November 11, 1817. 

At the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Provincial Army and 
served six years. He entered the army of the Revolution as 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and continued in the service till 1783, partic- 
ipating in twenty-two engagements. Summoned from his farm 
by the Shay's Insurrection in 1786, at which time he was a Briga- 
dier-General of Militia, he prevented the insurgents from captur- 
ing the Arsenal at Springfield. 

He was a member .of the Massachusetts Executive Council in 
1788, 1789, and 1790, and was a Representative in Congress from 
1797 till 1803. 

" For thirty-four years Mr. Shepherd was a professor of relig- 
ion, and a constant attendant upon public worship. His house 
was a house of prayer." 

He married Sarah Dewey, and the relation continued fifty-seven 
years. 

* Drake's " Dictionary of American Biography " ; Allen. 



438 



» 



ETHER SHEPLEY. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF MAINE, 1855/ 

Ether Shepley was born in Groton, Mass., in 1789; died in 

1877. 

He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1811, commenced first 
the study of medicine, finally took up the law ; commenced prac- 
tice at Saco, Me., and subsequently settled at Portland. His 
public career began in connection with the separation of the dis- 
trict of Maine from the State of Massachusetts. "For the 
purpose of aiding in the accomplishment of this object," says 
Mr. Shepley, "I consented to be a candidate, and was elected'a 
member of' the House of Representatives, in the Legislature of 
Massachusetts, for the year 1819, and took part in the delibera- 
tions of that body, when the act providing for a separation was 
passed." He was for thirteen years United States Attorney for 
Maine ; was Senator in Congress from 1833 to 1836 ; was 
appointed in 1836 Justice of the Supreme Court of Maine,'and 
subsequently Chief-Justice of Maine, holding the latter position 
until 1855. The following year he was appointed, by a resolve of 
the Legislature, sole commissioner to revise the General Statutes 
of the State. 

" In 1822 took place an event which he regarded as the most 
momentous of his life. He writes : . . . ' While traveling alone 
from place to place on professional duties, I found my mind 
employed in the contemplation of the condition of man upon the 
earth. The more, I reflected, the more inexcusable appeared 
to me to be that condition and his course of life. Surrounded by 
the means of promoting their own happiness and that of others, 



* Lanman ; " Discourse," by Rev. Kdward V. Ilincks. 
439 



440 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

all seemed by the indulgence of their pride, selfishness and evil 
passions, to destroy that purity, affection and peace which should 
cause all to enjoy one common lot of happiness. ... In all this 
I had felt no personal interest. It soon occurred to me, that in 
the condemnation of the world I had passed judgmen|t upon my- 
self. Turning to the examination of self, the more I reflected 
and the more closely I examined the motives and spirit by 
which I had been governed, the more painful was the process. 
When strongly inclined to cast it from me as a painful subject, it 
seemed to be mean and unworthy of a thinking man to avoid a full 
and impartial investigation of his relations to his Creator and to 
his fellow-creatures, and the manner in. which he fulfilled them. 
The result of this investigation was a conviction of my entire sin- 
fulness, and that there was no hope but in the mere mercy of 
God. For that I supplicated, not in outward forms but from the 
depths of the spirit, and at last perceived that God might be just 
and the justifier of them that believe. My heart expanded in 
thankfulnesss to God for his unspeakable gift, to Christ for his 
unquenchable love, and I soon desired to acknowledge my sin- 
fulness, my obligations and my gratitude ; and did so publicly, by 
uniting with the Trinitarian Congregational Church.' " 



JOHN SHERMAN. 

MAGISTRATE OF NEW HAVEN COLONY.* 

John Sherman was born in Dedham, England, December 26, 
1613 ; died at Watertown, Mass., August 8, 1685. 

He was brought up under the ministry of John Rogers, grand- 
son of the martyr. "Through his instrumentality, in connection 
with that of his own excellent parents, his mind early took a seri- 
ous direction." He was sent at an early age to Emanuel Col- 
lege, Cambridge, where he studied with uncommon diligence and 
success. When the time came for taking his degree, he felt 
obliged to forego the privilege, on accnunt of his conscientious 
scruples in respect to the subscription that was required of him. 
The consequence was, that he left the University, bearing the 
appellation of " College Puritan." 

He came to New England in 1634, and became a resident of 
New Haven. He began service in the ministry and preached in 
most of the towns then belonging to that Colony, For certain 
reasons he suspended the exercise of the ministry, went into civil 
life, and was chosen a Magistrate of New Haven Colony. Hav- 
ing served the public in this capacity with great acceptance, for 
two or three years, he resumed the ministry, contrary to the 
urgent remonstrances of his associates in civil authority. 

He accepted an invitation to the pastorate at Watertown, 
Mass., as the successor of Mr. Phillips, declining an invitation to 
Boston and one to London. His discourses, frequently extem- 
poraneous, were well arranged and full of thought. He was an 
unwearied student of the Scriptures, and his' public instructions 
warmed the hearts of his hearers. 

He was the leading man in the country at that time, in knowl- 

*Sprague's " Annals of the American Pulpit," v. i ; Mather's " Magnalia." 

441 



442 AMERICAN CHRISTTAN RULERS. 

edge of the astronomical sciences, and left Calculations in manu- 
script, which were never published. He prepared Almanacs sea- 
soned with pious and pertinent reflections. 

In conversation it was his habit to say but little, but what he 
said was pointed, and likely to be remembered. 

Mr. Sherman was twice married. By the first marriage he had 
six children ; by the second twenty. His second wife at the time 
of her marriage was under the guardianship of Governor Hopkins, 
of Connecticut. The family of her grandparents were Roman 
Catholics ; her mother was a Puritan. 



ROGER SHERMAN. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1 7 76.* 

Roger Sherman was born at Newton, Mass., April 19, 1721 ; 
died in New Hav^n, Conn., July 23, 1793. 

His father, William Sherman, was a farmer in moderate circum- 
stances. He died in 1741, when Roger was nineteen years of 
age, leaving a numerous family in circumstances of dependence. 

An older brother had previously removed to New Milford, 
Conn., and the care of the family devolved upon Roger. He 
was early apprenticed to a shoemaker. In June, 1743, the family 
disposed of their small farm in Massachusetts, and removed to 
New Milford. Roger performed the journey on foot with his 
tools on his back. Here he commenced business as a shoemaker, 
but before long relinquished his trade, and entered into partner- 
ship with his brother in the mercantile business. 

His leisure time he had employed in study^, and he had made 
good attainments in mathematical knowledge. 

In 1745, at the age of twenty-four, he was appointed to the 
office of County Surveyor. - For several years he supplied the 
astronoyiical calculations for an almanac published in the city of 
New York. 

His decision to become a student at law, came about as 
follows : He had occasion to go to a neighboring town to trans- 
act business for himself. A neighbor required legal counsel, 
and stated his case to Sherman, authorizing him to seek the 
advice of the lawyer of the town to which he was going. Sher- 
man committed the case to paper, and its statements were so 

* " Lives of the Signers," by Goodrich ; Hollister's " History of Connecti- 
cut"; "American Presbyterian Review," October, 1870. 

443 



444 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

clear as to excite the attention of the lawyer, who advised him to 
turn his attention"to the legal profession. He took his friend's 
advice, studied law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1754. 

In 1 76 1 he became a resident of New Haven. He served as 
Judge of the County,^ Superior, and Supreme Courts ; was a mem- 
ber of the First Congress in 1774 ; was a member of the commit- 
tee to prepare the Declaration of Independence, and signed that 
instrument; in 1791 was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 
United States Senate. 

On the floor of Congress others were more admired for popular 
eloquence, but there was no one whose judgment was more 
respected. Senator Macon remarked that Roger Sherman had 
more common sense than any man he ever knew. 

It was the custom of Mr. Sherman to purchase a copy of the 
Scriptures at the commencement of every session of Congress, to 
peruse it daily, and to present it to one of his children on his 
return. Rev. Mr. Goodrich thus speaks of him : " He was long a 
professor of religion, and one of its brightest ornaments. Nor 
was his religion that which appeared only on occasions. It was 
with him a principle and a habit. ,It appeared in the closet, in 
the family, on the Bench, and in the Senate house. Few men 
had a higher reverence for the Bible ; few were more intimately 
acquainted with the doctrines of the Gospel." 

The following incident occurred at a season of family devotion : 
Men connected with Yale College were boarders in the family, 
and were present. By the side of Mr. Sherman sat the child of 
his old age. His aged mother occupied an opposite corner of the 
room. He opened the Bible and began to read. The child 
made some little disturbance, upon which Mr. Sherman paused, 
and told it to be still. Again he proceeded, but again he paused 
to reprimand the little offender. At this time he gently tapped 
its ear. This took the attention of his aged mother, who rose 
from her seat, tottered across the room, and in a moment most 
unexpected, gave Mr. Sherman a blow on the ear. " There,^^ 
said she, " you strike your child, and I will strike miner For a 
moment the blood was seen rushing to the face of Mr. Sherman, 
but it was only for a moment, and he calmly pursued the service. 
Mr. Sherman writes to Rev. Samuel Hopkins from New Haven, 



ROGER SHERMAN/. 445 

October, 1790, upon certain theological points, and the following 
passages occur : 

" The will and affections are the powers of agency, and the 
exercises of them are holy or sinful, according to the objects 
chosen or beloved, or according as their exercises agree or dis- 
agree with the divine law." 

" Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. 
Therefore wlien a person seeks his own highest good and happi- 
ness in the enjoyment of God, and in connection with his glory, 
he answers the end of his creation." 

" I think you use the term self-love in a narrower sense than it 
is in general used by others ; and when pious persons find in 
themselves those desires and wishes of their own good and happi- 
ness, which I consider as inseparable from a moral agent, and 
which you admit are lawful, as flowing from general benevolence 
or as a part of it, when they find self-love condemned by that gen- 
eral term, it creates in their minds groundless uneasiness and 
doubt as to their good estate ; though perhaps a critical attention 
to your definitions and distinctions might prevent this." 

^' The glory of God and his happiness do not depend on the 
will of his creatures. His goodness is his glory, and that is dis- 
played or manifested in doing good." 

" None of His rational creatures are miserable, but for their 
own fault. He inflicts punishment not in a way of mere sover- 
eignty, but as a Righteous Judge or Governor for the general 
good, he gathers out of his Kingdom all things that offend and do 
iniquity." 

Mr. Sherman married first Elizabeth Hartwell, of Stoughton, 
Mass.; second Rebecca Prescot, of Danvers. By these wives he 
had fifteen children, seven by the former and eight by the latter. 
Two of his brothers became ministers of the gospel. 



WILLIAM SLADE. 

GOVERNOR OF VERMONT, 1844.* 

William Slade was born in Cornwall, Vt., May 9, 1786; 
died at Middlebury, January 18, 1859. 

He graduated at Middlebury College in 1807 ; was admitted to 
the Bar in 1810; and from 1814 to 1816, published and edited the 
Columbian Patriot. 

In 18 1 5 he was elected Secretary of State, and held the office 
eight years, six of which he officiated as Judge of the Addison 
County Court. He served as Representative in Congress from 
1831 to 1843, and in 1844 he was chosen Governor of Vermont. 
Subsequently he was made Secretary of the National Board of 
Popular Education. 

As general Agent of this Board, Mr. Slade in "Tenth Report" 
thus speaks of the importance of piety in teachers. " A teacher 
needs not only knowledge, and experience, and aptness to teach, 
but .... first, and always — the fear and love of God. . . . 
A desire to please, a love of reputation, and delight in communi- 
cating knowledge furnish strong motives to effort in the teacher's 
work ; but what are they, all combined, compared with a desire to 
please God, and a delight to do his will ; and with all, a recogni- 
tion of the beings who are looking up for instruction, as creatures 
of God, committed by Him to the teacher's hands to be trained 
for immortality ? " 

Concerning the question of abandoning the employment of 
Chaplains and daily prayer at the Nation's Capitol, Mr. Slade 
made a speech before the House Friday, December 27, 1839, as 
follows : 



* Lanman's " Biographical Annals"; Boston Recorder, 1S40 and 1857. 

446 



WILLIAM SLADE. 447 

* * "[Congress] met for the first time on the 5th of September, 
1774, at Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia; and its first act, after ex- 
amining the credentials of its members, and adopting a few simple 
rules for its government, was to resolve 'That the Rev. Mr. 
Duche be requested to open the Congress to-morrow morning with 
prayers at 9 o'clock.' Here is the commencement of the usage 
which it is now proposed to abandon. . . . The usage was 
never interrupted during the entire period of the war; it was in- 
troduced on the motion of Dr. Franklin into the Convention that 
formed the Constitution, was transferred to the First Congress 
under the Constitution, and has been transmitted, through the 
succeeding twenty-four Congresses, without interruption, to the 
present time. But this is not all. During the eight years War 
of the Revolution, eight Fasts and seven Thanksghnngs \vere 
recommended by proclamations of the Continental Congress. 
These proclamations stand upon the journals of that body, in im- 
pressive contrast with the proposition now before us, to exclude, 
henceforth, a recognition of the government and providence of 
God from the Hall of our deliberations. . . . Many of the State 
Legislatures, . . all, I believe in the Northern States, open their 
daily sessions with an act of homage to the great Source of good- 
ness and wisdom. In my own State, even the terms of the 
Courts of Justice are opened by prayer, in obedience to the 
injunction, ' in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall 
direct thy paths.' " 

[Objections that have been urged.] 

" The periodical election of Chaplains has Ingotteti the practice of 
electioneering for the office. If this is an evil, as I admit that it has 
been, it will cure itself 

" Hypocrites in religion may sometimes he chosen to minister here in 
holy things. Some gentleman professes to know of the occurrence 
of such cases. For myself, I am not very ready to suspect hypoc- 
risy, nor quick to discern the evidences of it. Unworthy men will 
sometimes find their way to civil offices; and even the sacred 
office has no complete security. . . . 

" // is said that the daily religious services, at the opening of this 
House are very irreverently attended by some of the mem/>ers. I wish 
I were able to deny the truth of this. ... I have seen assem- 



448 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

blies, in places specially consecrated to worship, in which both 
the sacredness of place and of time were not sufficient to secure 
attention, or even to restrain from gross improprieties. But I 
never thought of drawing an argument from this against the con- 
tinuance of these assemblies, and their customary services. 

" A gentleman near me asks whether the husbandman, after atte>id- 
ifig to the morning devotions of the family, 7uoiiId, on assemb/ing his 
laborers in the field, repeat the sajne serz'ice. I answer, no. But the 
case chosen by the gentleman for illustration supposes that the 
gathering in the field for labor, has been preceded by a gathering 
in the family for devotion. If common duties, responsibilities, 
and dangers, give appropriateness to the morning devotions of a 
family, surely they give to the morning devotions of this body 
equal appropriateness. 

"The question before us is not whether we shall now for the 
first time introduce religious worship into this Hall ; but whethei 
having, had it here for half a century, we shall turn it out ^ 




"^^n^^^^o-^^^i^^^^^l^^ 



JOHN COTTON SMITH. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1812-1816.* 

Henry Smith, early ancestor of John Cotton, born T557, the 
first of fifteen children, came from P^ngland an ordained minister, 
was installed the first pastor of the Congregational Church in 
Wethersfield, Conn., in 1636, and lived to the age of ninety- 
one. 

Samuel Smith, grandson of the above and grandfather of John 
Cotton, settled in Suffield, was united in marriage to Jerusha, the 
grand-daughter of Rev. Increase Mather. 

Cotton Mather Smith, son of Samuel and father of John Cotton, 
was born in Suffield in 1731, graduated at Yale College in 1751 ; 
soon after made a public profession of religion at Hatfield, Mass., 
studied theology under Rev. Mr, Woodbridge of that town, was 
installed pastor of the Congregational Church at Sharon, Conn., 
in 1755, and preached his half century discourse in 1815. He 
married in 1756, a daughter of Rev. William Worthington, of 
Saybrook, by whom he had six children, four sons and two 
daughters. 

John Cotton Smith was born in Sharon, February 12, 1765 ; died 
there November 7, 1845. Graduating at Yale College in 1783, he 
studied law, and was admitted to practice in 1786, 

He served in the State Legislature ; was Representative in Con- 
gress from 1800 to 1806; was chosen Judge of the Superior Court 
in 1809 ; was Lieutenant-Governor under Governor Griswold, 
administering the government during the sickness of the latter; 
and from 1812 to 1816 held the office of Governor. 

"While member of the House of Representatives, he was 

* Sprague's " Annals of American Pulpit," v i ; Hollister's " History of 
Connecticut"; " History of the American Bible Society." 
29 449 



450 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

highly respected by both parties. Most of this time he was chair- 
man of the committee of claims, and discharged the duties of this 
position with great energy and impartiality." 

" As a member of the Supreme Court of Errors, his written opin- 
ions are among the best to be found in our reports, and are dis- 
tinguished for their clearness of thought and finish of diction." 

When fifty-two years old, he retired to private life, at his home 
in Sharon, the proprietor of an estate of several hundred acres 
of valuable land. He occupied a commodious stone mansion, 
within a few yards of the home where his venerable father had 
lived, dividing his time between his studies and agriculture. 

Mr. Smith was the first President of the Connecticut Bible 
Society ; was elected President of the American Board of Com- 
missioners for Foreign Missions in 1826; and in 1831 became 
President of the American Bible Society. In an address before 
the latter institution he spoke as follows : 

" To be constituted almoners of God's richest gift to our race, 
to be enabled by his bounty to offer the wandering and lost pil- 
grim a sure guide to his final home, is a privilege and a distinc- 
tion for which we should render our most humble and grateful 
adoration. In view of the Divine beneficence toward the Amer- 
ican people, it would become them to adopt the language of the 
shepherd king of Israel, when contemplating his elevation from 
the sheepfold to a throne, 'What am I, O Lord God, and what is 
my house, that thou hast brought me hither.?' Who, at the 
period of our revolution, .... could have imagined that this 
young country, then bleeding at every pore, would so soon not 
only attain to her present height of worldly greatness, but would 
also exhibit the phenomenon of sending the Bible to the Old 
World ! Yea, of sending the light of divine truth to the region 
whence it first emanated, the sacred ground where the Redeemer 
revealed his mission of love and sealed it with his blood ; to coun- 
tries visited and taught by his Apostles ; to Persia and India, and 
far-distant islands. . . . The increasing demand for the Holy 
Scriptures affords exhilarating evidence of the successful progress 
of truth, and of the zeal and faithfulness of the excellent men who 
are employed in its promulgation. ... In furtherance of the 



JOHN COTTON SMITH. 45 I 

enterprise in which we are engaged, your Board of Managers have 
rendered an essential service by a careful collation of their 
authorized copy of the sacred text with a facsimile of our unri- 
valled version, as it came from the hands of the translators, and 
with numerous intervening copies of different dates in the society's 
library. The task, was arduous, but the gentlemen who achieved 
it felt themselves abundantly rewarded by the high gratification of 
finding no material departure from the genuine copy — nothing 
more indeed than discrepancies in punctuation, and other partic- 
ulars equally unimportant. With augmented confidence, there- 
fore, have the Board recommended the English version as the 
model to all who, under our auspices, are translating the Bible 
into other languages." 

"In 1814 Yale College conferred upon Mr, Smith the degree 
of Doctor of Laws, and in 1836 he was elected a member of the 
Royal College of Northern Antiquarians, in Copenhagen, Den- 
mark." 



WILLIAM E. SMITH. 

GOVERNOR OF WISCONSIN, 1877, 1879.* 

William E, Smith was born in Scotland, June i8, 1824; died 
at Milwaukee, Wis., February, 1883. 

In th? summer of 1833, the family came to America, landing in 
New York, where all remained but the father, who went westward 
in search of a home. A quarter of a section of land was secured 
in Michigan, near Detroit, a log cabin was erected, and in the 
spring of 1836 the family took possession, and began clearing for 
a farm. William E. mingled work with study, "taking a deep 
interest in a village debating club." In 1841 he began as clerk 
in a store, and continued about five years. He saved, year by 
year, a large portion of his salary, which was voluntarily handed 
over to his father. During this service as clerk he availed him- 
self of a library and read works of history, travels and science. 

He was twenty years a merchant at Fox Lake, Wisconsin ; in 
1872 removed to Milwaukee, and there established himself as a 
wholesale grocer. 

He was a member of the Assembly in 1851, of the State Senate 
in 1858, 1859, 1864 and 1865. In the fall of 1865 he was elected 
State Treasurer; was re-elected in 1867, and held this position 
four years. In 1877 he was elected Governor of the State ; was 
re-elected in 1879, and on the latter occasion received the largest 
majority that was ever given to any governor of Wisconsin, In 
his discharge of the duties of the executive office, he was practi- 
cal, safe and faithful. 

He was trustee respectively of Wisconsin Female College, at 
Fox Lake ; of Wayland University, at Beaver Dam ; and of Mil- 
waukee Female College. 

* Wisconsin " State Journal " ; Appleton. 
452 



WILLIAM E. SMITH 453 

" Mr. Smith was long a devoted member of the Baptist Church, 
taking a lively interest in Sunday-schools, and illustrating his 
religion in his life." 

He was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Rev. John 
Booth, a Baptist clergyman of Michigan, by whom he had four 
children, two sons and two daughters. 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON STEPHENS. 

GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA, 1883.* 

Alexander Stephens, grandfather of Alexander H., was born' 
in England, became a resident of Pennsylvania, engaged in the 
Revolutionary War in behalf of the colonies, and in 1795 settled 
in Georgia. 

Andrew B. Stephens, father of Alexander H., occupied the 
ancestral estate, " was a farmer of moderate means, industrious, 
just and upright." 

Alexander Hamilton Stephens was born in Wilkes County, 
Ga., February 11, 1812 ; died at Atlanta, March 4, 1883. 

He was left an orphan at the age of fourteen. The home was 
sold and each child's portion was $444. " A boy of strict 
morality and acknowledged piety," his Sunday School Superin- 
tendent, Mr. Mills, offered to loan him money toward, an educa- 
tion. He entered the Academy at Washington, Georgia, under 
care of E.ev. Alexander Hamilton Webster, with whom he 
boarded. Mr. Webster had charge of the Presbyterian Church 
there, and at an early day had the satisfaction of receiving his 
pupil into Church membership. Towards the close of the first 
term he was informed by Mr. Webster, that the proposition of Mr. 
Mills had been at his instance. He advised him to study for the 
ministry, encouraging him that aid from the Georgia Education 
Society would be granted. 

Upon consulting with his uncle, and with an aunt, an intellect- 
ual and religious lad}', he concluded to pursue his studies under 
this arrangement, but with the understanding that the money 

*" Life, Letters and Speeches of Stephens," by Henry Cleveland ; Chronicle 
and Co)istitiitio)ialist, Atlanta, Ga. ; New York Evangelist. 

454 



ALEXANDER IIAMIL TON STEPHENS. 455 

should be returned, if on arriving at maturer age he should not 
feel it his duty to enter the ministry. 

He entered Franklin College in 1828, and still inclined to the 
ministry. By the close of the second year, he began to doubt his 
special fitness for the sacred office. He conferred with his uncle, 
who was his guardian. The guardian surrendered to him his pat- 
rimony, and with this he paid his way, graduating in 1832. From 
his brother he borrowed sufficient to pay all arrears of money 
with interest. He obtained a situation as teacher, and with the 
money earned paid his debts and had a small sum in his pocket 
when he began the study of law. Pursuing his profession in the 
Sheriff's office, Crawfordville, he was admitted to the Bar July 22, 
1834. Here at Crawfordville, within two miles of his birthplace, 
he commenced practice. 

A former instructor of Mr. Stephens, in a letter dated Roches- 
ter, N. Y., Monday, October 31, 1861, speaks as follows of his col- 
lege life and his choice of a profession : 

" In the year 1825, I became a member of the Faculty of the 
University of Georgia, located at Athens, where I continued some 
five years, and at length returned to this, my native State. While I 
was there, Alexander H. Stephens entered as a student. He was 
then, I think, about fifteen ; an amiable, modest, quiet, studious, 
bright-eyed lad, pious withal, and looking forward to the Gospel 
ministry. . . . He entered my classes, and I became nuich inter- 
ested in him, and had with him many private walks and familiar 
conversations. He had not yet completed his course when I 
resigned and left the State, and then lost sight of him ; until many 
years after, to my surprise, he turned up in Congress. How it 
happened that he did not enter the ministry I never learned satis- 
factorily until the spring of i860, when the Old School General 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States met 
here in Rochester. Among the delegates, I had the unexpected 
pleasure to meet with Rev. Alonzo Church, D. D., formerly, when 
I was there. President of the University of Georgia. Calling up 
memories of the past, I inquired about Stephens, and the change 
of his early plans. He informed me that, before the completion of 
his college course, on a deliberate and careful consideration of 



456 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

the whole subject, he deemed himself better fitted for the law 
than for the ministry." 

In 1836 Mr. Stephens was elected to the lower House of the 
State Legislature, was re-elected in 1837, '38, '39 and '40. In 
1842 he was elected to the Senate of his State ; and in 1843 he 
was elected a Representative in Congress from Georgia, to which 
position he was regularly re-elected to the close of the Thirty- 
fifth Congress. 

Mr. Stephens opposed the disunion movement, and when the 
ordinance of Secession was passed, he gave his vote in opposi- 
tion. 

Writing to a friend, he says : " As to the momentous questions 
which threaten the stability of our institutions, what is to be the 
result. He alone knows who holds the destinies of nations in his 
hands. My earnest hope is, that there is patriotism enough in the 
country. North and South, to save it." 

He finally accepted the decision of the majority, in the matter 
of Secession, and became Vice-President of the Southern Con- 
federacy. 

Shortly after the surrender of the Confederate armies, having 
previously retired to his home in Crawfordville, he was taken 
prisoner by the Federal authorities and carried to Fort Warren in 
Boston harbor, where he was confined for three months in a 
basement, and contracted rheumatism, from which he suffered 
through life. Through the efforts of Vice-President Wilson, he 
was given better quarters till his release, November 13, 1865. 

He was elected United States Senator in 1866, by the first 
Legislature which organized under the new State Constitution, 
but was not admitted to his seat. In the same year he was sum- 
moned before the Reconstruction Committee at Washington and 
gave evidence which was widely printed and read. In this he 
bore testimony to the desire of the Southern people that the 
Union should be restored as it had existed under the Constitu- 
tion. He was elected to the Forty-third Congress in 1872, and in 
consideration of his former length of service as a member, was 
allowed to choose his seat before the customary drawing began. 
He was elected Governor of Georgia in 188^. 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON STEPHENS. 457 

The following extract from a letter by Mr. Stephens furnishes 
testimony to his religious character. 

" I feel within that I have been sustained by an Unseen Power, 
on whom I have relied, and to whom I have looked in my worst 
trials, with the hope and assurance that all would be well under 
His guidance and protection. 

" I do not feel justified before Him, but I do feel that with His 
long suffering and loving-kindness my frailties will be graciously 
pardoned. ... I have for years made it my business to devote a 
portion of each day to prayer. ... I was in early life deeply 
impressed with what is called religious feeling, but after I grew up 
and entered the world these feelings greatly subsided. I at one 
time became skeptical. The world was a mystery. I could see 
nothing good in it. I was miserable, and that continually. But 
coming to the conclusion, after a close self-examination, that the 
error might be in myself, I determined to adopt a new line 
of policy for my conduct. The first resolution w^as to cease find- 
ing fault with, or thinking about, what I could not understand. 
The second was to cultivate the kindlier affections of the heart, 
and with this, every day at some hour to put myself in com- 
munion with God, asking him to aid, direct and protect me in 
doing right. . . . The effect of this upon my mind and feelings 
and general views of things was soon felt by me. I felt a better, 
a much more contented and happier man. Such is the character 
of my religion. I make no boast of it, and perhaps very few peo- 
ple who know me have any idea of its existence, even to this 
extent. I have always had such an aversion to what is considered 
the cant of religion, that I have been rather inclined to suppress 
than to exhibit to others what I really think and feel in such mat- 
ters." 

Says Mr. Cleveland of Mr. Stephens, writing in 1866 : 
"He has made much over $100,000 at the practice of law^, and 
yet his whole estate to-day is not worth over $10,000, and he has 
wasted no money, and sustained no losses. It has gone in the 
thousand streamlets of charity. He never kept an overseer on his 
plantation. It was carried on by his servants, under his direction 
by letters, while he was in Washington and Richmond. His 



458 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

negroes all remain with him, all work well, and seem happy, 
cheerful, and contented. He never bought any negroes save at 
their own request, for the accommodation of themselves and fami- 
lies. ' Uncle Dick,' now about eighty years old, and his wife 
' Martha,' about seventy, were bought in that way." 

Most of his hardest labor he was compelled to perform when his 
bed and roller chair were his indispensable helps. Says Mr. 
Toombs : " He never regarded his life as worth two years. When 
we were in Congress together he never considered a re-election. 
When he used to give away everything he had, I urged him not 
to- do so, but to lay up something for a rainy day. I explained 
how he might become dependent, and it was through that advice 
that he saved some little." 

Said Rev. C. C. Williams, at a memorial service at St. Paul's 
Church, Augusta, on the day of Fasting and Prayer occasioned by 
the death of Mr. Stephens : " He was a man of noble sympathies 
and generous benefactions, whose face was never turned away 
from any poor or struggling fellow man. His frail, suffering body 
was his life-long inheritance. No man in history has ever won 
success against greater odds, in the way of physical infirmity. 
And he met this and mastered it, in the sublimest spirit of Chris- 
tianity." 

Said Judge Crawford : " If you wronged Governor Stephens, he 
would place a good construction on it if it was possible." 

Mr. Stephens always occupied in Washington one certain set of 
rooms — those formerly occupied by Henry Clay. As an orator 
" his voice was pitched on a high, feminine key, — clear, distinct, 
emphatic." 

He educated at his own expense no less than thirty-six young 
men. 

He was the author of " Constitutional View of the Late War 
between the States," for which he realized about $30,000. 

Mr. Stephens was never married. His, home was the paternal 
estate, at one time the property of strangers, but finally recovered. 



JOHN W. STEVENSON. 

GOVERNOR OF KENTUCKY, 1868.* 

Andrew Stevenson, father of John W., was a native of Vir- 
ginia ; served for several sessions in the State Legislature, 
beginning in 1804; was a Representative in Congress from 1821 
to 1834, and for six years was Speaker of the House ; was 
appointed Minister to Great Britain in 1836, remaining in office 
until 1841. On returning from his foreign charge, he devoted 
himself to agriculture, and to the interests of the University of 
Virginia, of which institution he became Rector. 

John W. Stevenson was born in Richmond, Va., May 4, 1812 ; 
died at Covington, Ky., August 10, 1886. 

He graduated at the University of Virginia in his eighteenth 
year, read law, and established himself in his profession at 
Covington. 

He served several years in the State Legislature ; was elected 
a Representative to the Thirty-fifth and Thirty-sixth Congresses ; 
in 1867 was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Kentucky; in 1868 
was elected Governor of the State by the largest vote ever 
cast for that office ; and in 187 1 entered the United States Senate 
for the term ending 1877. Retiring from political service, he 
accepted a Professorship in the law department of the Cincinnati 
College. 

Mr. Stevenson was retiring in his tastes, and loved the quiet 
of his home and library. He was fair in his judgment of men, 
and could even love those whom his official position, or conscien- 
tious duty, compelled him to rebuke. To a political opponent, 

* Lanman; Daily Commonwealth, Covington, Ky. ; *' Sketch," by Rev. Wal- 
ter Baker, D. D. 

459 



460 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

who challenged him to a duel, he wrote a letter giving his reasons 
for refusing the challenge. 

He was an Episcopalian in religious sentiment, and at Coving- 
ton, where he resided, was a communicant in Trinity Church. 
Strong in his principles, he impressed one, even on first acquaint- 
ance, that he feared his God, and would do right at all hazards. 
Often was the remark made by his fellow-Congressmen, " Gov- 
ernor Stevenson will do only what he thinks is right." If ever 
in doubt as to his duty, if an important letter was to be written, or 
an interview of moment was to be held, he would seek Divine 
counsel. He knew the way to many abodes of poverty in the 
city of his residence, and with his generous heart made many a 
fireside bright. While GoverncJr of Kentucky, he regularly taught 
a class in the Sunday School. 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1 776.* 

Richard Stockton, great-grandfather of Richard, emigrated 
to this country with his wife and children, from the town of Stock- 
ton, England, establishing himself, first at Flushing, Long Island, 
afterwards in New Jersey ; having purchased of George Hutchin- 
son, by deed, March lo, 1692, for the sum of three hundred 
and twenty-five pounds, a tract of land, containing two thousand 
acres. 

Richard Stockton, grandfather of Richard, a member of the 
Society of Friends, received by conveyance from William Penn, 
October 20, 1701, a tract of land in New Jersey, consisting of five 
thousand acres, Mr. Penn reserving ten hundred and fifty acres. 
This location, situated on the north side of a brook, near what is 
now named Princeton, was called Stony Brook, in remembrance 
of the Stony Brook which passed through his father's land in 
Long Island. 

John Stockton, father of Richard, was a Presiding Judge of the 
Common Pleas, of Somerset County, and occupied the plantation 
known as Morven, devised to him by his father. " He was a 
religious man, and always entertained those devoted missionaries, 
David and John Brainerd, when they came to Princeton. John 
Brainerd in his Journal, under dale August 24, 1749, describing 
his journey from Cranberry to Neshaminy, Penn., says : ' Visited 
the sick Indian again, and prayed with him, took leave of him and 
several others of my people, and set out on my journey about 
three o'clock in the afternoon. Called at Mr. Wales' as I passed 
along ; tarried a little while, and then came to Princetort. Went 

Hageman's " History of Princeton " ; Goodrich's " Lives of tlie Signers"; 
" Princeton College during the Eighteenth Century," by Alexander. 

461 



462 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

to Justice Stockton's and tarried there. I spent the evening 
mostly in conversation, and afterwards attended family and secret 
duties in which I was favored with some comfortable composure 
of mind, but had no special enlargement.' " 

Richard Stockton, subject of this sketch, the eldest son of 
John, was born in Princeton, N. J., Qctober i, 1730; died there 
February 28, 1781. 

He prepared for College at the Academy at Nottingham, Mary- 
land, under the care of Rev. Samuel Finley, afterwards President 
of Princeton College. Graduating at the College of New Jersey 
with the first class, in 1748, he read law with David Ogden, of 
Newark, was admitted to the Bar in 1754, and opened a law office 
in Princeton. 

His business was co-extensive with the Province, and he was 
invited into the neighboring colonies. As an eloquent and per- 
suasive advocate, he had no competitor in the State. 

" Strictly upright in his profession, he scorned to defend a 
cause which he knew to be unjust. A friend to peace and to the 
happiness of mankind, he often, with great pains and attention, 
reconciled contending parties, while he might fairly by the rules of 
his profession have drawn from their litigation no inconsiderable 
profit to himself. Compassionate to the injured and distressed, 
he often protected the poor and helpless widow, unrighteously 
robbed of her dower, heard her with patience, when wealthier 
clients were waiting, and zealously protected her interest." 

Among his law students were Jonathan Sergeant, Gen. Joseph 
Reed, William Paterson and Elias Boudinot. 

In 1774 he was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of New 
Jersey, and in 1776 was elected to the Continental Congress, and 
was one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
While a member of Congress, during a visit to the house of a 
friend in Monmouth County, New Jersey, he was captured by a 
party of Royalists and thrown into prison in New York City. 
His confinement and the barbarity of his treatment seriously and 
permanently affected his health. He obtained his release through 
the interference of Congress. 

Mr. Stockton was a man of handsome fortune, and the planta- 
tion which he received from his father, was made one of the most 



RICHARD STOCKTON. 463 

beautiful residences in the State. His house contained elegant 
and rare furniture, a valuable library and works of art. . His 
grounds were tastefully laid out, planted with rare trees, and 
ornamented with a choice flower-garden. 

From 1757 till his death, he was a Trustee of the College, and 
for many years a member and Trustee of the Presbyterian Church 
in Princeton. 

An estimate of his Christian character can be formed by read- 
ing the following extract from his last will : "As my children will 
have frequent occasion of perusing this instrument, and may 
probably be peculiarly impressed with the last words of their 
father, I think proper here, not only to subscribe to the entire 
belief of the great leading doctrines of the Christian religion, such 
as the being of a God, the universal defection and depravity of 
human nature, the divinity of the Person, and completeness of 
the redemption purchased by the blessed Saviour, the necessity 
of the divine Spirit, of divine faith acdompaiiied with an habitual 
virtuous life, and the universality of divine Providence; but also 
in the bowels of a father's affection to charge and exhort them to 
remember 'that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.' " 

Mr. Stockton married a sister of Hon. Elias Boudinot, " She 
was a woman of strong mind, fine culture, and was a zealous 
Presbyterian. She impressed her character not only upon her 
husband, but on all her children, and her children's children." 



JOHN STODDARD. 

MEMBER OF HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL.* 

Anthony Stoddard, great-grandfather of John, " the first in 
the country of the family of Stoddards," resided in Boston, and 
was a member of the General Court- from 1665 to 1684. 

Solomon Stoddard, eldest son of Anthony, and father of John, 
was born in Boston in 1643 ; graduated at Harvard College in 
1662 ; was ordained pastor of the church at Northampton, Mass., 
in 1672, holding this position until his death in 1729. "As a 
preacher, his discourses were plain, experimental, searching, and 
argumentative. He was blessed with great success. He used 
to say that he had five harvests ; and in these revivals there was 
a general cry, what must I do to be saved ? " 

John Stoddard was born in 1682; died in Boston, June 12, 
1748. 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1701. In his early man- 
hood he was of a grave, reserved disposition, and not believed to 
possess any peculiar talents. In 17 13, he was sent to Quebec, to 
negotiate the redemption of prisoners taken from New Engl find. 

For many years he was a member of the Massachusetts Coun- 
cil ; was Chief-Justice in the Court of Common Pleas; and in his 
military capacity held the rank of Colonel. 

Rev. Jonathan Edwards thus speaks of Mr. Stoddard : 

" He was probably one of the ablest politicians that ever New 
England bred. He had a very uncommon insight into human 
nature, and a marvellous ability to penetrate into the particular 
tempers and dispositions of such as he had to deal with, and to 

Sprague's " Annals " ; " Dwighi's Travels " ; " Discourse," by Rev. Jona- 
than Edwards. 

464 



JOHN STOJ)DAKD. 465 

discover the surest way of treating them, so as most effectually to 
influence them to any good and wise purpose, 

" He was eminently endowed with a spirit of government. 
The God of nature seemed to have formed him for government, 
as though he had been made on purpose, and cast into a mould, 
by which he should be every way fitted for the business of a man 
in public authority. 

" He was one that was not afraid of the faces of men ; and 
every one knew that it was in vain to attempt to deter him from 
doing what, on mature consideration, he had determined he ought 
to do. But though he feared not the faces of men, yet he feared 
God. He was strictly conscientious in his conduct, both in public 
and private. I never knew the man that seemed more steadily, 
and immovably to act by principle, and according to maxims, 
established and settled in his mind, by the dictates of his judg- 
ment and conscience. Some of his greatest opponents, that have 
been of the party contrary to him in public affairs, have openly 
acknowledged this of him : T/iaf he was a faithful man. 

" How far was he from a busy, meddling disposition ! How far 
from any sly and clandestine management, to fill his pockets with 
what was fraudulently with-held from the laborer, soldier or 
inferior officer ! 

" He was high in the esteem of many tribes of Indians : . . . . 
so had influence upon them above any other man in New Eng- 
land. 

" He had no small degree of knowledge, in things pertaining to 
experimental religion ; but was wont to discourse on such sub- 
jects, not only with accurate doctrinal distinctions, but as one 
intimately ^iw A feelingly acquainted with these things, 

" God had endowed him with a comely presence, and majesty 
of countenance, becoming the great qualities of his mind, and the 
place in which God had set him." 

His wife was Prudence Chester, of Wethersfield, Conn., and 
they had several children. 
30 



THOMAS STORY. 

MEMBER OF GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL, PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA.* 

Thomas Story died in England in 1742, aged nearly eighty 
years. " He was brought up in profession with the Church of 
England ; and having studied for the law, practiced in Carlisle, 
and subsequently in London," 

In 1698 he embarked for America, and in course of time took 
up his residence in Philadelphia. He became a member of the ■ 
Governor's Council ; and in 1706, was chosen "Mayor of Philadel- 
phia, but declined to accept the office. He remained in America 
fourteen years, occupying different positions of trust, and finally 
returned to England. 

" Being from his youth inclined to piety, he examined closely 
into the doctrines of several sects, and eventually became con- 
vinced that the principles of Quakerism accorded with those of the 
New Testament, and he espoused them." 

He engaged with William Penn in religious labors in Ireland, 
and his important object in coming to this country was to pay 
a religious visit to " Friends " here. He was solicited by Penn 
" to assist in settling the affairs of the Province of Pennsylvania," 
and he accordingly entered upon civil duties as mentioned. 

On returning to England he continued his gospel labors in the 
various quarters of the British Islands. " His ministry was very 
convincing and edifying, so that he was acknowledged, not only 
by the Society of which he was a member, but by other people, as 
a tnily evangelical minister." His season of civil service ex- 
cepted, he labored in the work of the Qospel nearly fifty years. 

Mr. Story addressed the following to James Logan : 

* " Memoirs of James Logan ; " " The Historic Mansions of Philadelphia." 

466 



TJIOM AS STORY. 467 

" London, nth Month, 21st, 1734. 
" REsrECTED Frienp : 

" I take this first opportunity that presents, to acknowledge the receipt of, 
thy frank letter of i6th, 9th Month last, which is satisfactory on several 
accounts ; I am glad to know thereby, that my very dear friend, thy wife, 
and all your children, are well, and hopeful in the better part. ... As to the 
inaptitude of all thy family of succeeding thee in such satisfaction as ihou hast 
reaped in thy acquaintance with books and languages, thou wilt be easy in that, 
if it be possible for thee to consider, that these things are generally speculative 
and so barren as to us, that they cannot afford us one morsel for support of a 
short uncertain life in this teasing world, or much help towards a better. If 
then, we have so much understanding and application as to conduct ourselves 
with honesty and safety, as respects bread and clothes, and pursue the rule of 
grace, and virtue to the end, we shall not miss, at last, of a safe conduct to 
that haven which, I doubt not, we all aim at in our most solemn thoughts. 
Yet I am no enemy to learning, though I have but little of it ; that field afford- 
ing great variety for contemplation, and much delight to the mind therein. 
... In that love which engageth me to wish all happiness to thee and thine 
in this life and that which is to come, I conclude this, 

" From thy very loving friend, 

"Thomas Story." 

Mr, Story married July 10, 1706, Ann, daughter of Edward 
Shippen, the first Mayor of Philadelphia, who received from her 
father a liberal settlement. [Miss Shippen was the lady who 
declined the proposal of James Logan.] 



CALEB STRONG. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1800-1807, 1812-1816.* 

John Strong, great-grandfather of Caleb, was an early settler 
in the colony of Massachusetts, and the first ruling Elder in the 
church in Northampton. 

Caleb and Phebe Strong, parents of Caleb, were both distin- 
guished for sound judgment and exemplary Christian deport- 
ment. 

Caleb Strong, the subject of this sketch, was born at Northamp- 
ton, Mass., January 9, 1745, died there November 7, 1819. 

He prepared for college under Mr, Mosely of York, and gradu- 
ated at Harvard in 1764. 

On leaving college, for several years he was unable to use his 
eyes in reading or study. " What evinced the care of Providence 
over him as an instrument of future good to the world, his father 
and sisters, with exemplary kindness, gave him encouragement 
and aid by daily reading to him professional and other books." 

He studied law with Mr, Hawley, and for twenty-four years 
held the office of Coimty Attorney, 

In 1779, he assisted in forming the Constitution of Massachu- 
setts, and in 1787 assisted in forming the Constitution of the 
United States, From 1789 to 1796, he was a Senator in Con- 
gress; from 1800 to 1807 was Governor of the State; also from 
1812 to 1816. 

" Mr, Strong united himself to the communion of the church of 
Christ in Northampton, July 5, 1772, and uniformly adorned the 
doctrine of God our Saviour by his exemplary life, and his sound- 
ness in the faith. Upon the establishment of the Hampshire 

*" Northampton Antiquities," by Clark; Lanman ; " Discourse," by Rev, 
Dr. Joseph Lyman. 

468 




CALEB STRONG. 



CALEB STRONG. 469 

Missionary Society, he was chosen their President, and effectually 
promoted their interests in that office for ten years. Few have 
rivalled him in literary attainments, fewer still in acquaintance 
with practical wisdom." 

He married, November 20, 1777, Sarah, daughter of Rev. John 
Hooker of Northampton, an exemplary professor of religion from 
her early youth. They had nine children, three of whom died in 
infancy. 

" Patriotism and Piety," or " Speeches and Proclamations of 
Gov. Strong," was published in 1808. Harvard University con- 
ferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 



SAMUEL SYMONDS. 

DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS COLONY, 1673-1678.* 

Samuel Symonds was descended from an ancient and honor- 
able family in Yieldham, Essex County, England; had there a 
good estate ; settled at Ipswich, Massachusetts Colony, in 1637 ; 
died there in 1678. 

He was Deputy to the General Court from 1638 to 1643 ; from 
1643 until 1673 held the office of Assistant ; was elected Deputy 
Governor in 1673, and held the office until his decease. 

In 1646 he addressed a letter to Governor Winthrop, which 
unfolded what the author considered the Divine_ purposes in the 
settlement of New England. The conversion of the natives to the 
Christian faith and practice, he mentions as one of the purposes, 
" which mercy," he adds, " if attained in any considerable meas- 
ure, will make us go singing to our graves." 

In 1 65 1 he received a grant of 300 acres of land, beyond 
Merrimac River, "with free liberty for timber, if he there set up 
a saw-mill within seven years." 

In 1652 he is on a committee to visit Piscataqua "and settle 
government there." 

In 1667 he is on a committee to revise and bring in certain 
laws which had been offensive to the King; among them one 
which abolished the observance of Christmas, as a relic of Epis- 
copacy. 

Whatever he undertook, whether business of town, county, 
colony, or country, he did not leave it, till he had expended upon 
it all the time, attention, and exertion which he ought. 

His politics, principles, and practices, were not swayed by cor- 
rupt ambition, but were deeply seasoned by the salt of piety, 

* Felt's " History of Ipswich," 1834. 

470 



SAMUEL SVMOA'DS. 47 1 

which induced him to seek first for the approbation of God, and 
then as a consequence, to act for the best good of those whose 
interests were committed to his care. His was a mind which 
looked at earthly concerns in the light of Revelation. His was a 
soul affected and moved more by eternal realities than by things 
temporal. His was a life which took hold on judgment, and 
secured the blessedness of justification through the Redeemer. 

He married first, the daughter of Governor Winthrop ; second, 
Rebecca, widow of Daniel Eppes ; and had eleven children. Two 
of his daughters married clergymen ; his son, William, was 
Representative to the General Court from Wells, Me., in 1676. 



JOSEPH TALCOTT. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1724-1741.* 

Joseph Talcott, of Hartford, Conn., served as Representative 
in the State Legislature for several years; in 171 1 was elected a 
member of the Council, and continued his connection with this 
body until his election to the office of Lieutenant-Governor, May, 
1724. On the death of Governor Saltonstall in September of that 
year, Mr. Talcott was elected to fill the vacancy, and continued to 
hold the office of Governor until his death in 1741. 

" Eminent for piety, he called the periods of revival in his last 
years, ' times of refreshing.' " 

•Allen; Hollister. 



472 



CHARLES THOMSON. 

FIRST SECRETARY OF CONGRESS, 1774-1789.* 

Charles Thomson was born in Ireland, November, 1729, died 
in Lower Merion, Montgomery County, Penn., August 16, 1824. 

He came to America with his three elder brothers ; was edu- 
cated at an academy in Philadelphia, conducted by Rev. Dr. 
Allison ; taught for a time the Friends' Academy ; and afterward 
went into business in Philadelphia. Here he obtained the friend- 
ship of Dr. Franklin. 

The following paper reveals Mr. Thomson's official connection 
with the first Congress. 

" Monday, September 5, 1774. 
" A number of the Delegates, chosen and appointed by the several Colonies 
and Provinces in North America, to meet and hold a Congress at Philadelphia, 
assembled at the Carpenters' Hall. Present : . . . . The Congress pro- 
ceeded to the choice of a President, when the Honorable Peyton Randolph, 
Esq., was unanimously elected. Mr. Charles Thomson was unanimously 
chosen Secretary." 

He resigned his office as Secretary of Congress in July, 1789. 

Mr. Thomson communicates with General Washington, and 
transmits to him the Resolve of Congress, recommending a day of 
Fasting and Prayer. 

" Philadelphia, December 11, 1776. 
"Sir:— 

" The President being necessarily engaged with his family, I have the honor 
to inform you that your letter of the roth was duly received and laid before 
Congress ; and to transmit you a resolution of Congress, passed this day. 
" I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

"Chas. Thomson. 
" To his Excellency, General Washington." 

Force's "American Archives"; "Synopsis of the Four Evangelists," by 
Charles Thomson ; Drake's " Dictionary of American Biography." 

473 



474 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

In Congress, December ii, 1776. 
Whkreas, The just war into which the United States of America have been 
forced by Great Britain is likely to be still continued by the same violence 
and injustice which have hitherto animated the enemies of American free- 
dom : and, 
Whereas, It becomes all publick bodies as well as private persons, to rever- 
ence the Providence of God, and look up to him as the Supreme Disposer 
of all events, and the Arbiter of the fate of nations ; therefore the Congress 
hereby 

Resolve., That it be recommended to all the States, as soon as possible to 
appoint a day of solemn Fasting and Humiliation, to implore of Almighty God 
the forgiveness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the 
countenance and assistance of his Providence in the prosecution of this just 
and necessary war. ... It is left to each State to issue out Proclamations, 
fixing the day that appears most proper for their several bounds. 
Extracts from the Minutes : 

Charles Thomson, Secretary. 

John Adams in his Diary, describes Charles Thomson as the 
Samuel Adams of Philadelphia, the life of the cause of liberty. 
An Indian tribe which adopted Mr. Thomson, gave him the name 
of " The man of truth." He was strictly moral, and his mind was 
deeply imbued with religious principles. 

** A Translation of the Septuagint from the Greek," by Charles 
Thomson, was published in four volumes, 8vo, in 1808 ; found in 
Library of Massachusetts Historical Society. " A Synopsis of the 
Four Evangelists," by Charles Thomson, found in Library of 
Brown University, was published in Philadelphia in 1815, with 
full title as follows. " A Synopsis of the Four Evangelists ; or a 
regular history of the conception, birth, doctrine, miracles, death, 
resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, in the words of the 
Evangelists." 

In his preface he writes : " To undertake a new Harmony of 
the Gospels., after the many made, might seem an attempt at 
vanity, did not the numerous Harmonies, in the two last centuries, 
show, one after another, that those which preceded had not 
given satisfaction ; and infidels still continue to charge the Evan- 
gelists with inconsistency and contradiction. This may excuse 
me to the public. . . . How I have succeeded, is now submitted 
to the judgment of the candid reader. For my own part, I have 
the satisfaction to think, assuredly, that, on a full and fair exam- 



CHARLES THOMSON. 475 

ination, it will be found that the Evangelists are neither incon- 
sistent, nor do they contradict one another ; but that on the con- 
trary, they mutually elucidate, support, and confirm one another's 
narration. . . . C. T." 

Mr. Thomson was twice married. First to the daughter of 
Charles Mather, second to Hannah Harrison, sister of Benjamin 
Harrison, the Signer. 



PENN TOWNSEND. 

MEMBER OF HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL FOR THE PROVINCE OF THE 
MASSACHUSETTS BAY, 1 72 I.* 

Penn Townsend, the third son of William, was born in Boston, 
December 20, 1651 ; died August 21, 1727. 

He was a leading man in town affairs, (Boston) generally 
moderator at town meetings; was a Representative in 1686, and 
annually, except during Andros' reign, to 1698. He was a 
member of the Council under the new charter, 172 1. 

In military life, he was Lieutenant in the militia of Boston, 
then Captain. In 1694, he was made Major of the Boston 
Regiment; in 1699, Lieutenant-Colonel, and in 1703, Colonel, 
which ofifice he held until 17 10. As a member of the Artillery 
Company, he was Lieutenant in 1679 5 Captain in 1681, 1698, 
1709 and 1723. 

In his religious principles, he was a sound Protestant, in 
doctrinal points a Calvinist, and in matters disciplinary, a Con- 
gregationalist, yet of a truly Catholic spirit. 

He was patient toward God, under repeated heavy losses, and 
disappointments in trade and business ; patient also toward men, 
overcoming evil with good. 

• To his honor be it remembered, how he used to pray in the 
field, with the militia ; a worthy practice, by which he adorned 
his captain's post to the last. 

We have reason to think he was truly a man of prayer, and 
knew how to wrestle with God. He might be called a Nathaniel, 
for his secret devotions, which were observed to be long and 

* Whitman's " History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company," 
2d edition, Boston, 1842 ; " Appendix to Discourse," by Rev. Thomas 
Foxcroft. 

476 



PENN TOWNSEND. 4/7 

frequent ; he might be called a Joshua, for his family religion, 
and a very Daniel for his almost unexampled affection for the 
House of God. 

He was early admitted a member of the Old Church in Boston, 
in the communion whereof he continued to the end a pillar and 
ornament. 

He seemed to be marked out for eminent distinctions by an 
uncommon piety in his early youth. 

In his political principles, he was a true Englishman ; loyal to 
the throne, and tender of the subject, and withal an equal friend 
to the cause of Liberty. He was a discreet patron of our envied 
privileges, whether civil, ecclesiastic or academical 

Nothwithstanding he devoted much time to the public service 
he paid strict attention to his private business. The total of his 
property, real and personal, was ;^6748 \%s. (yd. He feared 
God, honored the king, and loved the brotherhood. 



JOHN TREADWELL. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1809-181I.* 

John Treadwell was born at Farmington, Conn., Nov. 23, 
1745; died Aug. 19, 1823. 

" His father was a mechanic of a competent fortune. Both his 
parents were pious, both lived to an advanced age." 

In Mr. Treadwell's autobiography, in which he puts himself in 
the third person, he says : — " He was early initiated in the arts of 
industry, and the intervals of school hours and vacations were 
not suffered to be wasted in frivolous amusements, but were 
carefully applied to the labors of the farm ; and he was trained to 
simple and frugal habits." 

He prepared for college under the instruction of the minister 
of the place. Rev. Timothy Pitkin ; entered Yale in 1763, and 
graduated in 1767. While in college, he was thorough in his 
studies, unambitious of distinction, and rather solid than brilliant. 
" It was enjoined by the statutes of the institution, that through- 
out the course, each class should recite the ' Westminster Confes- 
sion of Faith.' ' Locke on the Human Understanding,' and 
* Edwards on the Will,' were among the text books." 

He read law with Judge Hosmer, of Middletown, but did not 
practice. His father was advanced in life, and needed his society 
and aid. He accordingly remained at home, " laboring on the 
farm in the summer, and keeping a village school in the winter." 

He was appointed Judge of the County Court for the County of 
Hartford in 1795, was elected Lieutenant-Governor in 1798, was 
chosen Governor as the successor of Trumbull in 1809, and was 
succeeded by Griswold in 181 1. 

* Lanman; "Panoplist"; Durfee's "History of Williams College"; 
" Memoir," by D. Olmsted. 

478 




GENERAL JOHN TREADWELL. 



JOHN TREAD WELL. ^"JC) 

" Governor Treachvell, in his religious views, was Calvinistic. 
He is remembered to have said, that his scheme of faith was 
forever settled by reading ' Edwards on the Will.' 

** If, as some have imagined, Mr. Treadwell was dj' nature cold 
and selfish, he had certainly by grace a tender heart, and the most 
enlarged benevolence. These qualities were manifested, first, 
towards the world of mankind, imparting great fervor to his 
prayers for the conversion of the world, and animating his inces- 
sant labors for that object ; and, secondly, towards every creature 
susceptible of happiness, not excepting even the lower animals. 

" As long as he possessed the means, his charities flowed in a 
continual stream." 

The following are the details of the formation of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Mr. Treadwell 
becoming the first President. 

In the summer of 1806, Samuel J. Mills and others, students of 
Williams College, met together in a neighboring grove for a 
prayer meeting. As a shower was approaching, they left the 
grove, and took shelter for their meeting under a hay-stack. The 
subject of conversation under the stack, before and during the 
shower was, the moral darkness of Asia. Mills proposed to send 
the Gospel to that dark and heathen land ; and said that we could 
do it if we would. All agreed with the idea except Mr. Loomis, 
who contended that it was premature ; that if missionaries should 
be sent to Asia they would be murdered ; that Christian armies 
must subdue the country before the Gospel could be sent to the 
Turks and Arabs. In reply, it was said that God was always 
willing to have his Gospel spread through the world ; that if the 
Christian public was willing and active, the work would be done. 
" Come," said Mills, " let us make it a subject of prayer, while 
the dark clouds are going, and the clear sky is coming." All 
prayed except Loomis, and INIills made the last prayer. Two 
years after, a Foreign Missionary Society was formed in the 
college, " for the purpose not of sending others, but of going to 
the heathen." 

At the General Association of Massachusetts convened at 
Bradford, June 27, 28, and 29 of 1810, the following paper was 
presented. " The undersigned, members of the Divinity College 



48o AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

[Andover] . . . beg leave to state, that their minds have been 
long impressed with the duty and importance of personally 
attempting a mission to the heathen . . and that, after examin- 
ing all the information which they can obtain, they consider them- 
selves as devoted to this work for life, whenever God, in his provi- 
dence, shall open the way. . . Adoniram Judson, Jr., Samuel Nott, 
Jr., Samuel J. Mills, Samuel Newell." The committee appointed 
to consider the case, on the morning of Friday, June 29, made their 
report, and it was voted : " That there be instituted, by this Gen- 
eral Association, a Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 
for the purpose of devising ways and means, and adopting and 
prosecuting measures, for promoting the spread of the Gospel in 
heathen lands. That the said Board of Commissioners consist of 
nine members, to be chosen in the first instance by this Associa- 
tion." 

On the 5th of September, 18 10, the American Board met at 
Farmington, Conn., according to appointment by the Massachu- 
setts General Association, and adopted its constitution under the 
name and style of " The American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions." Officers elected for the year ensuing were, 
for President, his Excellency, John Treadwell ; for Vice-Presi- 
dent, Rev. Dr. Samuel Spring; for Prudential Committee, William 
Bartlett, Esq., Rev. Dr. Spring, Rev. Samuel Worcester. 

Mr. Treadwell held the office for twelve successive years, by 
annual appointments. 

In founding and sustaining the Connecticut Missionary Society, 
he bore an active and important part. 

Mr. Treadwell was united in marriage to Dorothy, daughter of 
Joseph Pomeroy, " a young lady of Northampton, of good family 
and high personal accomplishments, and not the less precious in 
his eyes, for having, when very young, listened to the preaching 
and pastoral counsels of the great President Edwards." They 
had seven children, two sons and five daughters. 

Of the birth and early death of his first child, his autobiog- 
raphy, still speaking of himself in -the third person, gives the 
following account: "On the 28th of November, 1771, he was 
presented with a daughter. Her health was perfect until she was 
about two years and three months old, when she was seized with a 



JOHN TREADWELL. 48 1 

fever which proved incurable. . . . The father was sensible that 
the hand of God was upon him. He had neglected to dedicate 
himself and his offspring to God in the bonds of the gospel cove- 
nant. He knew that his child inherited from him a sinful nature, 
that if it was saved, it must be as a sinner, through the atone- 
ment of Christ, and sanctification of the Spirit; that although 
God is a Sovereign, and might ilirougli the all-sufficient atone- 
ment of Christ, save all infants, and indeed all men, without the 
intervention of means, if he were pleased so to do, yet he was not 
bound in justice to do it, nor was it certain that any were saved 
without liie use of means, either employed by themselves person- 
ally, or if incapable of this, by their constituted representatives. 
He was persuaded that the infant children of believers are proper 
subjects of baptism ; that when dedicated to God in that ordi- 
nance, the dedication would be the answer of a good conscience 
in the parent, and also a means of salvation to the offspring. . . 
and that to neglect this means of salvation, was in the parent the 
worst of cruelty. In this extremity, he could do nothing more, 
and certain]}- nothing less, than in an act of solemn worship with 
his wife, by themselves, dedicate himself and his dying child to 
God, through Christ, committing it, so far as he was able, into His 
hands, and fervently begging for its sanctification and eternal sal- 
vation. , , . His peace of mind was in a good measure restored. 
The child soon after died, and the parents hope in God that it has 
gone to rest. The result of this trying scene, was so thorough a 
conviction of his duty, that soon after, although with a trembling 
heart, he made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and 
joined the church then under the care of the Rev. Timothy Pitkin." 

Says Mr. Olmsted: "When his sons had left the paternal roof, 
and become themselves heads of families ... he exhorted them 
in his letters to make their house a house of prayer, and to train 
up their children for Heaven." 

His daughter Julia, born 1781, married 1803 Amasa Jerome. 
" From the lime of her hopeful conversion, her mind was exer- 
cised with a tender concern for the .youth of her acquaintance. 
To one of these she writes : ' Julia, we have been together in the 
ways of sin — why can we not go together in the road to the 
heavenly Canaan ? ' " 
3« 



482 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Although Mr. Treadwell received by inheritance a fine estate, 
in his latter years he was " straightened in the means of sup- 
port." Heavy pecuniary liabilities in aid of his sons, together 
with other causes, had conspired to reduce his substance. 



JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1769-1783.* 

John Trumble (so the name was spelt until the year 1766), 
great-grandfather of Jonathan, emigrated from Cumberland 
County, England, and settled in Rowley, Essex County, Mass. 

John, son of the above, grandfather of Jonathan, a resident of 
Rowley, was made a freeman in 1640 — a deacon in the church in 
1686 — a lieutenant in the militia in 1689 — emigrated to Suffield, 
Conn., near the close of the seventeenth century. He had four 
sons, John, Joseph, Ammi and Benoni. John became a clergy- 
man in Watertown, Conn., and was the father of John, the poet. 
Benoni was the father of the historian. Rev. Benjamin Trumbull. 

Joseph Trumbull, second son of the above, and father of Jona- 
than, became a resident of Lebanon, Conn., when twenty-one 
years of age, and established himself as a merchant and a farmer. 

Jonathan Trumbull was born in Lebanon, Conn., October 12, 
1710, died August 17, 1785. 

He entered Harvard College at the age of thirteen, and 
became distinguished as a scholar. While a freshman he con- 
nected himself with a religious society in the institution, the 
articles of which he himself compiled. These articles, dated 
" Cambridge, January ye loth. Anno Domini 1723," and entitled 
" The articles which all that belong to the Private Meeting insti- 
tuted at Harvard College 1719, assent unto," are found in his 
own handwriting in the Library of the Connecticut Historical 
Society. The articles, with introduction, are as follows : 

" It being our indispensable duty, as well as undeniable inter- 

* Stewart's " Life of Trumbull"; Force's "American Archives "; "Pulpit 
of the American Revolution," by Thornton. 

483 



484 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

est, to improve all opportunities and advantages that God is gra- 
ciously favoring us with, to his honor and glory, and our eternal 
welfare, as also to avoid all those temptations and allurements to 
evil, which we are in danger to meet with, and to edify, encour- 
age, and excite one another in the ways of holiness and religion ; 
we do to that end assent to the following articles, viz. : — 

" I. That we will meet together for the worship of God twice in 
a week, viz., on Saturday and Sabbath day evenings. 

" 2. Being met together, we shall as God enables us, perform 
the several injunctions of our meeting, the first (as to his station 
in College) beginning, and so proceeding to the last, except any 
one, for good reasons, shall desire to be excused. 

" 3. That we will bear with one another's infirmities, and that 
we will divulge nothing of what nature soever, that is done at our 
meetings. 

" 4. When we are absent from our meetings, we will endeavor" to 
behave ourselves so that none may have occasion to speak evil of us. 

" 5. That all manner of disagreeable strifes or quarrelings with 
one another shall be suppressed by us, and that we will live in 
love, peace, and unity, one with another. 

"6. That if any one sees or hears another speak anything 
unbecoming a member of such a society, he shall reprove him as 
far as he shall think the reproof worthy, but he shall'do it with all 
meekness, love and tenderness towards him." 

He took his degree in 1727 in a class of thirty-seven members, 
and returned 10 his home in Lebanon. His exercises and feel- 
ings upon the subject of religion " ripened into the saving faith 
and hope of the Christian believer." Connecting himself with the 
church at Lebanon, he commenced the study of theology with his 
pastor. Rev. Solomon Williams. In due time he was licensed to 
preach, and was invited to settle with the church at Colchester. 
While deliberating on this call, a domestic affliction turned the 
current of his life into another channel. Joseph, his elder 
brother, who was engaged in business with his father, went abroad 
in the summer of 1732, on a commercial enterprise, in one of the 
vessels belonging to the family and was lost at sea with the vessel 
and cargo. The services of Jonathan were now needed in the 



JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 485 

settlement of affairs, and upon the urgent request of his father, he 
declined the call of the church at Colchester, abandoned his 
favorite design, and became a merchant. The firm was known as 
Williams, Trumbull & Pitkin, afterwards as Trumbull, Fitch & 
Trumbull. They carried on trade with the West Indies, and had 
dealings in London, Bristol, Liverpool, Amsterdam and Hamburg. 
At the close of the year 1763, Mr. Trumbull's property was esti- 
mated at not less than eighteen thousand pounds. But reverses 
afterwards occurred, and his means were reduced. 

Mr, Trumbull was elected to the General Assembly of the 
Colony in 1733, at the age of twenty-three ; was repeatedly 
re-elected, and in 1739 was made Speaker of the House. He was 
chosen Lieutenant-Governor in 1766; held the office of Chief- 
Justice of the Superior Court from August, 1766, to September, 
1769, and was Governor of the State from 1769 to 1783. 

On accepting the office of Governor, he speaks as follows : 
'• With humble reliance on the all-wise Governor of the world, for 
his divine direction and guidance, I accept this trust and ask your 
present and continued supplications at the Throne of Grace, that 
wisdom, prudence, and discretion may be given, answerable to the 
day, the work, and the duty assigned me." 

In moments of anxiety and danger connected with the Revolu- 
tion, he seemed to have no confidence in an arm of flesh. 

In a particular instance, writing to his son he says : " The crit- 
ical hour seems to hasten. May our eyes be on the Lord of 
Hosts ! The Lord reigns ! " 

And when by special express he received this announcement, 
"On Friday, the third instant, the strong fortress of St. John was 
surrendered to the American Arms," in his communication to 
Congress, he delivers these words : — "The events announced are 
arguments of praise to the Supreme Director of all events." 

To General Washington, the newly appointed Commander-in- 
chief, he sent words of congratulation and said : " Now therefore 
be strong and very courageous. May the God of the armies of 
Israel shower down the blessing of his divine providence on 
you, give you wisdom and fortitude, cover your head in the day 
of battle, add success, ..." 

Human exertion, as well as reliance upon a Divine arm, Mr. 
Trumbull believed to be needful. 



486 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Intelligence had been received from General Washington, of 
the necessity of a large increase of forces at New York. To all 
the able-bodied men in Connecticut, who were not obliged to do 
military duty in any Train-Band and to such as were "gentlemen 
of horse," he published an '• Exhortation " as follows : 

" In this day of calamity, ... to trust altogether to the justice of our cause 
without our own utmost exertions, woulcl be tempting providence. . . . Join 
yourselves to some one or other of the companies of the militia now ordered to 
New York, or form yourselves into distinct companies of fifty men or more 
each, and choose a Captain, Lieutenant, and Ensign forthwith. March on — 
this shall be your warrant. . . . Play the man for God, and for the cities of our 
God. May the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, be your Cap- 
tain, your Leader, your Conductor and Saviour. . . . 

" Given under my hand in Lebanon, this I2th day of August, 1776. 

"Jonathan Trumbull." 

It was not till after the burning of Danbury, when nineteen 
dwelling houses, the Congregational Church, and twenty-two 
stores were sacrificed ; not till after the invasion of New Haven, 
at which season of general havoc, the venerable President of Yale 
College, Dr. Daggett, was brutally injured and plundered ; nof till 
after the burning of Fairfield ; scenes and incidents like these ; — 
that another and a happier scene was revealed. 

The proclamation for the cessation of hostilities had been 
transmitted by Governor Trumbull to the Secretary of Connecti- 
cut, with directions to the Sheriff of Hartford County to publish 
the same with appropriate ceremonies. At Hartford, on a 
memorable Wednesday, at ten o'clock a. m., in presence of the 
military and a crowd of citizens, the Sheriff, in obedience to the 
Governor's orders, proclaimed the welcome tidings, and closed 
with these words, the guns of the military responding : 

" May God Almighty ever be the guardian and protector of 
the rights and liberties of the United States of America. May 
good order and government, useful learning and true piety, by 
divine favor be maintained and flourish throughout the United 
States of America, until time shall be no more ! May the great 
blessing of health, plenty and peace, from the Father of mercies, 
be the happy portion of the United States to the latest genera- 
tion ! " 



JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 487 

" God be thanked, we have lived to see peace restored to this 
bleeding land. . . . We have sustained a force brought against 
us, which might have made any empire upon earth to tremble ; 
and yet our bow has abode in strength ; and having obtained 
help of God, we continue unto this day." Thus spoke President 
Stiles of Yale College, in his Election Sermon before his Excel- 
lency, Jonathan Trumbull, and the General Assembly of Connec- 
ticut convened at Hartford, May 8, 1783. It was on this occa- 
sion that Mr. Stiles thus addressed His Excellency : 

" We adore the God of our Fathers, the God and Father of the 
spirits of all flesh, that he hath raised you up for such a time as 
this ; and that he hath put into your breast a wisdom which I can- 
not describe without adulation. . . . Our enemies revere the 
names of Trumbull and Washington. In honoring the councils of 
Connecticut, you have honored yourself to all the Confederate sis- 
ter States, to Europe, and to the world, to the present and distant 
ages. May you receive a reward from the Supreme Governor of 
the Universe which will be a reward of grace. . . . And when 
you shall have finished your work on earth, may you be received to 
the rewards of the just, and shine in the general assembly of the 
first born, through eternal ages. Amen." 

In view of retiring from his fourteen years service as Governor, 
Mr. Trumbull said : " Finally, my fellow-citizens, I exhort you 
to love one another,; let each one study the good of his neighbor 
and of the community, as his own ; hate strifes, contentions, jeal- 
ousies, env)', avarice, and every evil work, and ground yourselves 
in this faithful and sure axiom : that virtue exalteth a nation. 

Among distinguished men of the Revolution who had been 
entertained by Governor Trumbull at his home in Lebanon, were 
Generals Washington, Knox, Sullivan, Putnam, Dr. Franklin, 
Samuel Adams, John Jay, Count Rochambeau, La Fayette, the 
Duke de Lauzun and Marquis de Chastellux. 

The last named, in his Journal of Travels, makes allusion to 
a dinner which he attended at the house of Lauzun, Governor 
Trumbull also a guest. He proceeds : " I have already painted 
Governor Trumbull. You have only to represent to yourself this 
small old man, in the antique dress of the first settlers in this 



488 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Colony, approaching a table surrounded by twenty Hessian offi- 
cers, and without losing anything of his formal stiffness, pro- 
nouncing in a loud voice a long prayer in the form of a Benedicite. 
Let it not be imagined that he excites the laughter of his auditors ; 
they are too well trained for that ; you must on the contrary, 
figure to yourself twenty aniens issuing at once from the midst 
of forty moustaches, and you will have some idea of the little 
scene. But M. de Lauzun is the man to relate, how this good, 
methodical Governor invariably says, that he will consider; that 
he must refer to his Council." 

The term " Brother Jonathan " as applied to the United States, 
is supposed to have originated in the expression sometimes used 
by Washington — " Let us hear what Brother Jonathan says." 

Mr. Trumbull was married at the age of twenty-five, to Faith, 
seventeen years of age, daughter of Rev. John Robinson, of Dux- 
bury, Mass., and great grand-daughter of the John Robinson who 
counselled emigration to the New World. " Mrs. Trumbull was 
for many years a professor of the religion of Jesus, and her chari- 
ties were very numerous and very large. She neglected not the 
duties of her home. She had an excellent spirit of prudence and 
economy, and never ate the bread of idleness," On one occasion 
in Lebanon Meeting-House, after notice given that a collection 
would be taken for the soldiers of the Continental Army, Mrs, 
Trumbull rose from her seat near her husband, threw from her 
shoulders a scarlet cloak, and advancing near the pulpit, laid it 
down as her offering. The garment was cut into narrow strips, 
and used as red trimming for the dress of American soldiers. 

They had six children, four sons and two daughters. Three of 
the sons were educated at Harvard College ; the daughters were 
sent to a school in Boston. Writing to an instructor in 1753, 
Trumbull says .• " I do not mean to send them to college to 
spend their time and my estate in a careless, idle and foolish 
manner." The children led an important career, Jonathan, 
named after his father, became Private Secretary to General 
Washington, United States Senator, and finally Governor of Con- 
necticut. John became a noted artist, — executed historical paint- 
ings for the capitol at W^ashington, and those of the Trumbull 
Gallery. 



HENRY VANE. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1 636.* 

Henry Vane, father of Henry, born in 15S9, was elected to 
Parliament from Carlisle in 1614. He married Frances, daughter 
of Thomas Darcy, and had a family of fourteen children. 

Henry Vane, eldest child of Henry, was born in 16 12, died by 
execution in London, June 14, 1662. 

In early voulh, according to his own confession, he was giddy, 
wild, and fond of good fellowship. About the fifteenth year of 
his age a change took place in liis views and feelings, and "God 
was pleased to lay the foundation of repentance in him." 

At the age of sixteen he entered Magdalen College, Oxford. 
Ilis religious experience had alienated him from the doctrines 
and forms of the Church of England, and when the period of his 
matriculation arrived, he declined to take the oath of allegiance, 
and thus forfeited his membership at the institution. 

Leaving Oxford, he spent a season in travel, and finally con- 
cluded to embark for America. He arrived at Boston in 1635. 
" His interesting demeanor and entire devotion to the cause of 
religion won the love and veneration of the pious Puritans."' 

In May, 1636, when but twenty-four years of age, he was elected 
Governor of Massachusetts. He supported the theological opin- 
ions of Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, in opposition to John Winthrop 
and others, and his administration was brief. 

He returned to England in the year 1637. To friends in 
America he wrote, sending the epistle by Roger Williams. 

", . . . Something I hold myself bound to say to you out of the 
Christian love I bear you How is it that there are such 

* Uphani's " Life of Vane " ; " liiographia Kritannica " ; Moore's " Gov- 
ernors of New Plymouth." 

489 



490 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



divisions amongst you, sucli headiness, disorder, tumults, injustice, 
the noise whereof echoes unto the ears of all, as well friends as 
enemies, by every return of ships from those parts ? Is not the 
fear and awe of God amongst you to restrain ? Is not the love of 
Christ in you, to fill you with yearning bowels one toward 
another ....?" 

He was elected representative in Parliament from Kingstori- 
upon-Hull, taking his seat April 13, 1640. Here he bore a con- 
spicuous part in those measures which make prominent the cause 
of freedom and religion. His own safety he did not consult; what 
his enemies should think and determine, he did not regard. 
Against the arbitrary measures of the- king he took an open stand, 
and conflict ensued. 

He was arraigned before the Court of King's Bench for trial 
June 2, of the year 1662 ; the verdict of guilty was rendered on 
the 6th; sentence was pronounced on the nth; and on the 14th 
he was executed on Tower Hill. 

On the day before his execution he remarked : " My impris- 
onment and hard usage from men have driven me nearer to 

God The more I have been shut up on earth, and from 

earthly relations and enjoyments, the more have the heavens 
opened upon me, and let down to me the large sights and tastes 
of the glory and enjoyments of the world to come." 

Early in the forenoon on the day of his execution, his wife, chil- 
dren and friends were assembled in the prison. He offered up a 
prayer in which were these petitions ; 

" Strengthen the faith and heart of thy poor servant, that he 

may undergo this day's work with joy and gladness Let 

my poor family that is left desolate, let my dear wife and children 
be taken into thy care ; be Thou a Husband, Father and Master 
to them." 

On taking farewell of his family he was heard to say : 

" There is some flesh remaining yet ; but I must cast it behind 
me, and press forward to my Father." 

On his removal from the prison to the place of execution, 
silence being commanded by the Sheriff, he gave an address to 
the people. He then offered up a prayer which embraced the 
following : 



HENRY VANE. 49 1 

" When his blood is shed upon the block, let it have a voice 
afterward, that may speak his innocency and strengthen the faith 
of thy servants in the truth." 

The government took notice of the sympathy and interest 
excited by this execution, and restored to the family Mr. Vane's 
estates. 

" He was a man of extraordinary parts, a pleasant wit, a great 
understanding, which pierced into and discerned the purposes of 
other men with wonderful sagacity, whilst no man could make a 
guess of what he himself intended. He was of a temper not to 
be moved, and of rare dissimulation, and could comply when it 
was not seasonable to contradict, without losing ground by the 
condescension," 

"His personal appearance was remarkable, impressing all who 
looked upon him with the conviction that he was an extraordinary 
man." 

" Vane, young in years, but in sage counsel old, than whom a 

better senator ne'er held the helm of Rome On thy firm 

hand Religion leans in peace, and reckons thee her eldest son." 

He married July, 1639, Frances, daughter of Christopher Wraj', 
of Glenkworth, in Lincolnshire ; and had a family of eleven chil- 
dren. 



STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 1822-1828.* 

Stephen Van Rensselaer, the fifth in descent from Kilian 
Van Rensselaer, the original proprietor of a tract of land in 
Eastern New York, forty-eight miles in length by twenty-four in 
breadth, was born in the city of New York, November i, 1764; 
died at Albany, January 26, 1S39. 

His father was Stephen Van Rensselaer, the proprietor of 
Rensselerwyck. His mother was Catharine, daughter of Philip 
Livingston, who signed the Declaration of Independence. On 
the death of the father, when Stephen was but five years of age, 
the care of the large landed estate, which fell exclusively to him 
by the rule of primogeniture, was committed to his uncle. General 
Ten Broeck. " For a while Stephen remained under the control 
of his excellent and pious mother — long enough, no doubt, to 
receive those impressions of the value of religious faith which 
were finally wrought into the texture of his character." 

Having studied at Kingston vmder Mr. John Addison, he 
began his academic course at Princeton College, New Jersey, and 
graduated at Harvard University, in 1782, when eighteen years of 
age. 

His mother married in 1775, Rev. Dr. Eilardus Westerlo, "an 
original Dutchman," who was the installed pastor of the Dutch 
Church in Albany, and there for the first fifteen years of his 
ministry, preached in the Dutch language. After marriage, the 
parties lived for a time at the Manor, afterwards occupied *' the 
ample parsonage of the good Dominie," in North Market Street. 

Having attained his majority, Mr. Van Rensselaer was in 

* " Discourse," before the Albany Institute, by Daniel D. Barnard ; " Dis- 
course," by Rev. Dr. Vermilye ; Drake. 

492 



STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER. 493 

possession of a large landed interest, much of which was unim- 
proved. The Revolution had just passed, and left the country 
poor. By offering leases for long terms at a moderate rent, he 
succeeded in bringing into cultivation a good proportion of his 
lands, comprising the greater part of the present counties of 
Albany and Rensselaer. And by this management he found him- 
self in receipt of a current income, sufiicicnt for his simple tastes 
and habits, and those of his family, with something liberal to 
spare. 

Mr. Van Rensselaer was a member of the New York Senate 
from 1790 to 1795 ; was elected Lieutenant-Governor of the State 
in 1795 ; re-elected in 1798 ; was Representative in Congress 
from 1823 to 1S29. When an election to the Presidency took 
place in the House of Representatives, February, 1825, his vote 
determined that of the Delegation from New York in favor of 
John Quincy Adams. 

During the last war with England he commanded as Major- 
General on the Niagara fiontier, 

" It was in the spring of 1787, when in his twenty-third year, 
with wealth enough to lay the world under contribution for what- 
ever it can afford for the gratification of appetite and passion, 
that he deliberately chose, by a formal profession of religious 
faith, to pledge himself to a life of temperance, truth and purity. 
He united with the North Dutch Church in the city of Albany, 
and continued a communicant for more than half a century." 
Says Rev. Dr. Vermilye of Mr. Van Rensselaer : " The views of 
truth he adopted were those usually denominated Calvinistic. 
While he regarded his last severe visitations as fatherly inflictions 
he would say with emotion, ' I thank thee. Lord, for weaning me 
from the world ! ' A member of his family remarked to me, ' He 
read his Bible more regularly and constantly than auy person I 
ever knew.' " 

Mr. Van Rensselaer founded and endowed in the city of Troy 
the Rensselaer Institute ; and was a large contributor to the 
benevolent organizations of the day. Says his biographer : " It 
is nearly certain, that he fed more that were hungrv, and warmed 
more that were cold, than any other man living among us in his 
time." 



494 



AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 



Mr, Van Rensselaer married first, Margaret, the third daughter 
of Gen. PhiUp Schuyler, by whom he had three children ; second, 
Cornelia, only daughter of Judge William Patterson, of New 
Jersey, by whom he had nine children. 



ABRAHAM VAN VECHTEN. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF NEW YORK, 181O, 1813-1815.* 

Abraham Van Vechten was born at Catskill, N. Y., December 
5, 1752 ; died in Albany, May lo, 1823. 

He was educated at the Kingston Academy, studied law with 
Chancellor Lansing, of Albany, and commenced practice in that 
city. He was elected to the Senate of the State in 1798, and for 
many years held a seat in one of the two branches of the Legisla- 
ture. He served as Attorney-General of the State in 1810 and 
from 1813 to 1815, 

From 1797 until 1823, he held the ofHce of Regent of the New 
York University. 

He was a man of vigorous intellect, sound judgment, and 
extensive learning in jurisprudence. He was known as the 
" father of the New York Bar," being the first lawyer admitted to 
practice after the adoption of the State Constitution. 

Mr. Van Vechten early made a public profession of religion, and 
connected himself with the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of 
Albany. "He was a sincere and exemplary Christian. He 
loved the Bible and prayer and the ordinances of the house of 
God." 

♦ Appleton ; " Appendix to Historical Discourse," by Rev. Dr. Rogers. 



495 



TEUNIS VAN VECIITEN. 

MAYOR OF ALBANY, 1837, 1841.* 

Teunis Van Vechten, son of Teunis Van Vechten and Eliza- 
beth De Wandelaer, was born in Albany, November 4, 1785 ; died 

1859- • . 

He graduated^ at Union College in 1802; studied law with his 
uncle, Abraham Van Vechten, " a wise jurist, and consistent 
Christian," and entered upon professional life in Albany, in 1806. 

His career as a public officer was confined to the municipal 
affairs of Albany. He was appointed Attorney to the Corpora- 
tion in 1807, and held the office until 18 17. He served as 
member of the Common Council, first as Assistant Alderman, 
then as Alderman, and was Mayor of Albany in 1837 and 1841. 

Mr. Van Vechten was a man eminently practical in all his 
affairs. As a Chief Magistrate, he was ever firm and energetic ; 
and possessed of great moral and physical courage, was never 
intimidated in the discharge of his duty. 

His mind was acute and clear; his judgment was sound; he 
was a man of the sternest integrity. His manners were frank, 
even to bluntness, and sometimes decided, even to sternness; but 
those who knew him best, knew that he carried a true and a 
kindly heart. 

He connected himself with the North Dutch Church of Albany, 
in which he was reared from infancy, in 1824; and for thirty-five 
years was one of its most influential members. He was for many 
years a member of Consistory, and often sat in the Ecclesiastical 
Courts of the Church. He was active in the settlement of 
several pastors, and alwaj'S gave the ministry his cordial confi- 

* "Discourse," by Rev. E. P. Rogers, D. D., Albany, 1S59; Sprague's 
" Annals of American Pulpit." 

496 



TEUNIS VAN VKCIITEX. 497 

dcnce and support. No men were more welcome to his house 
and his table than the ministers of religion. 

Of the Rev. John B. Johnson, who was his pastor during the 
period of his childhood, he says : " I used to attend his catechis- 
ings, which in those days formed a much more important item of 
pastoral duty than they do now," 

Mr. Van Vecliten was married December 4, 18 10, to Catherine 
C, daughter of Hon. Leonard Gansevoort, by whom he had ten 
children. 

32 



RICHARD VARICK. 

MAYOR OF NEW YORK, 1789-1800.* 

The common ancestor of the Varick family, State of New 
York, was Rev. Rudolphus Van Varick, minister of the Reformed 
Dutch Church at Jamaica, Long Island. 

Richard Varick was born at Hackensack, N. J., March 25, 
1753 ; died at Jersey City, July 30, 1831. 

Immediately after the Declaration of Independence, 1776, Mr. 
Varick, then a young lawyer of New York City, tendered his ser- 
vices to General Schuyler, commanding the Northern army, was 
appointed his military Secretary, and afterwards became Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel. He was present at the battles of Stillwater and 
Saratoga. After Burgoyne's surrender, Colonel Varick was sta- 
tioned at West Point as Inspector-General of the troops of that 
post and vicinity. 

After the evacuation of New York by the British troops, 1783, 
he was appointed Recorder of the city, and afterwards was 
Attorney-General of the State. In 1789 he was appointed Mayor 
of New York City, and held the office eleven consecutive years. 
In 1786 he was appointed with Samuel Jones reviser of the State 
laws, and the result of their labors was the volume which bears 
their name, issued in 1789. 

Mr. Varick observed family worship, and was a member of the 
Old Middle Dutch Church, located on Nassau Street, opened for 
worship in 1729, and first served in the ministry in the Dutch lan- 
guage by Rev. Walter Dubois. He was one of the founders of 
the American Bible Society, and on the resignation of John Jay, 

* " Manual of the Common Council of New York " ; Force's " American 
Archives." 

498 



"4^ 




RICHARD V A RICK. 499 

was elected President. " His life was upright, . . . fixed in his 
principles, political and religious." 

The industries connected with the supplying of the Revolution- 
ary Army, are brought to notice in the following Varick corre- 
spondence. 

Alpany, July 27, 1776. 
" To General Gates. 

" Dear Sir : — I send you this morning about twelve hundred-weight of 
spikes, of different sizes, and four hundred-weight of twenty-four penny nails, 
for the carpenters at Skenesborough ; as also some axes, in addition to the 
twelve hundred heretofore sent, and some spades and pickaxes, which will be 
immediately forwarded from Fort George. . . . 

" Your most obedient servant, 

"Richard Varick." 

Alhany, August 3, 1776. 
" To General Washington. 

"An express is sent from this place to Connecticut, with instructions to pur- 
chase the sail-cloth and cordage, which General Arnold says is to be had in 
that colony; and an express- is also sent to the forges and furnaces at Living- 
ton's Manor and .Salisbury, to procure the swivels and grape, double-headed 
and chain shot, if to be had there. . . . With the assistance of the publick 
storekeeper, I have procured from the proprietors of vessels, and the mer- 
chants of this place and Schenectady, all the anchors, cables and cordage, that 
was to be had from them, for which I have made a full allowance. 

" Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant, 

" Richard Varick." 

Mr, Varick was over six feet in height, and of imposing pres- 
ence. 



REUBEN HYDE WALWORTH. 

CHANCELLOR OF NEW YORK, 1828-1848.* 

Reuben Hyde Walworth, third son of Benjamin Walworth, 
was born at Bozrah, Conn., October, 1789; died at Saratoga, 
N. Y., November 28, 1867. 

He spent his early years on a farm, taught school at the age of 
sixteen, and at seventeen began the study of law at Troy, N. Y. 
He established himself as an attorney, in 1811, at Plattsburg ; 
and became Master in Chancery. 

He was Adjutant-General of New York Militia during the war 
of 18 1 2, and participated against the enemy at the siege of Platts- 
burg in 18 1 4. 

He was a Representative in Congress from 182 1 to 1823; 
served five years from 1823, as Circuit Judge ; was made Chan- 
cellor of the State of New York in 1828, and served for twenty 
years, when the ofhce was abolished. His adjudications as Chan- 
cellor were embodied in the fourteen volumes of Paige and Bar- 
bour. 

In 1823 he established his home at Saratoga, removed to 
Albany in 1828, and in the spring of 1833 returned to his resi- 
dence [Pine Grove] at Saratoga. At this home jurists and states- 
men were entertained. 

Mr. Walworth was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian 
Church, and " took it upon himself to care especially for the poor 
of the congregation." He was an early supporter of the cause of 
temperance; was vice-president of the American Tract Society; 
and was the friend of Foreign Missions. An account of a special 
meeting of the American Board, held at Albany, March 4, 1856, 

* Appleton ; Drake ; Boston Recorder ; Springfield Union. 
500 



REUBEN HYDE WALWORTH. 501 

reads as follows: , . . . ''Il was now a quarter before twelve 
o'clock. Chancellor Walworth moved that before we go into a 
consideration of the Report, the President call on some one to 
lead in prayer for the superintendence and guidance of the Holy 
Spirit." 

His son, Clarence A. Walworth, a graduate of Union College, 
class of 1838, became impressed upon tlie subject of religion 
while in college, under the preaching of the Evangelist Rev. 
Jacob Knapp; studied law and practiced one year; studied the- 
ology at the Episcopal Seminary, New York City ; united with the 
Roman Catholic Church, went abroad and was ordained priest ; 
served as missionary in England and in the United States, and 
finally was made rector of St. Mary's parish in Albany. At a 
meeting of educators in the Senate chamber at Albany, July, 1887, 
Rev. Clarence A. Walworth spoke as follows : " The home circle 
is the great original school, the great original church, and the 
father is the high priest. ... As a general thing the children of 
this country do not learn of God and their duty to Him in the 
family circle. . . . Some one may say, ' What will become of you, 
Father Walworth, if religion is taught in the public schools .'' 
May not something be taught that would weaken your church ? ' 
If it should prove so, I would regret it. We are a part of this 
great country. We have shed our red blood to preserve it. But 
rather than see the schools of the State given over to the atheists, 
I say exclude us. All I ask is, that in all schools, God should be 
acknowledged directly, formally, and daily." 



WILLIAM BARRETT WASHBURN. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1872-1873.* 

William B. Washburn was born in Winchendon, Mass., Janu- 
ary 31, 1820; died on the morning of October 5, 1887, on the 
platform of the City Hall, Springfield, in attendance upon the 
meeting of American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
sions. 

He pursued his early studies at Lawrence Academy in Groton ; 
graduated at Yale College in 1844, and established himself in the 
manufacturing business at Erving. He made his residence in 
Orange, and went daily to his duties. In 1857 he removed to 
Greenfield, continuing the management of the business at Irving. 

He was a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1850, and of 
the lower house in 1854 ; was elected a Representative to" the 
Thirty-eighth Congress, and was re-elected, serving on the Com- 
mittee on Revolutionary Pensions ; was a Delegate to the Phila- 
delphia Loyalists' Convention of 1866 ; was elected to the Fortieth 
Congress, serving until 1872, when he resigned ; was Governor of 
Massachusetts in 1872 and 1873, and resigned on his election as 
Senator in Congress for the unexpired term of Charles Sumner. 

He was a Trustee respectively, of Yale College, Smith College, 
and Mr. Moody's School at Mt. Hermon. He possessed sound 
judgment, was conservative in all matters, and was a successful 
financier. 

" In his religious convictions, Mr. Washburn was from early 
age, a firm believer in, and a warm advocate of the doctrines and 
polity of the Orthodox Congregational denomination. He was a 
member and officer of the Second Church in Greenfield, and was 

* Greenfield Gazette ; " Address," by Rev. Dr. Buckingham ; E7<ci>igelist. 

502 



WILLIAM BARRETT WASHBURN. 503 

punctual in his attendance upon the religious services and devo- 
tional exercises. Honors only sobered him, and made him pray 
to God that he might prove worthy of them." 

His contributions to the benevolent enterprises of the day, were 
constant and liberal. For several years he was President of the 
American Missionary Association. 

Mr. Washburn was married in September, 1847, to Hannah A. 
Sweester, and was the father of six children, four of whom, a son 
and three daughters, lived to maturity. The son, William N., 
graduated at Yale College, and became his associate in business. 
To each of his four children he gave by will, $25,000, and to the 
cause of Missions, Home and Foreign, he made large bequests. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1789-1797.* 

Leonard Washington married Anne , and their children 

were all baptized in Warton, Lancaster County, England ; Robert, 
1616; Jane, 1619 ; Francis, 1622; Lawrence, 1625; John, 
1627. 

John Washington, son of Leonard, and great-grandfather of 
George, with his brother Lawrence, emigrated to America in 1659, 
purchased land in Westmoreland County, Va., between the Poto- 
mac and Rappahannock Rivers, at or near Bridge's Creek. He 
became an extensive planter, Magistrate, and member of the 
House of Burgesses. In his military career, he was Colonel of 
the Virginia forces, co-operating with those of Maryland, against 
the Seneca Indians, who were ravaging the settlements along the 
Potomac. In honor of his public services and private virtues, the 
parish in which he resided was called after him, and still bears 
the name of Washington. His will is recorded in the Court 
House of Westmoreland County, and contains this clause : "And 
first, being heartily sorry, from the bottom of my heart, for my 
sins past, most humbly desiring forgiveness of the same from the 
Almighty God, my Saviour and Redeemer, in whom, and by the 
merits of Jesus Christ, I trust and believe assuredly to be saved, 
and to have full remission and forgiveness of all my sins, . . . ." 
He was married first to a lady in England, second to Anne Pope;, 
and his children were Lawrence, John, Elizabeth and Anne. His 

* "History of Washington Family," by Welles; Ramsay's " Life of Wash- 
ington"; "Washington at Valley Forge"; "Historical Collections of New 
Jersey " ; " Historical Collections of Pennsylvania " ; " Religious Opinions and 
Character of W^ashington," by M'Guire, 1836; "Christian Character of Civil 
Institutions of United States," by Morris ; Cougregationalist. 

504 




GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



GEORGE iVASHINGTON. 505 

property was large, some of which was located in England, and he 
speaks of it as " far above his deserts." 

Lawrence Washington, resident of Virginia, grandfather of 
George, and first child by second wife of John Washington, was 
married about 1690, to Mildred, daughter of Col. Augustine 
Warner, of Gloucester County, by whom he had three children : 
John, Augustine, and Mildred. 

Augustine Washington, father of George, was married, first to 
Jane, daughter of Caleb Butler, by whom he had four children; 
second to Mary, daughter of William Ball, by whom he had six 
children. 

According to record given in the family Bible, " George Wash- 
ington, son to Augustine and Mary, his wife, was born the nth of 
February, 173 1-2, about ten in the morning, and was baptized the 
fifth of April following — Mr, Beverly Whiting and Capt, Christo- 
pher Brooks, Godfathers, and Mrs. Mildred Gregory, Godmother." 

The place of his nativity was Pope's Creek, Washington Parish, 
Westmoreland County, Va. The estate on which he was born, 
was originally settled by his great-grandfather, John Washington, 
and had been in possession of the family about seventy-five years. 
His death occurred at Mount Vernon, December 14, 1799. 

Concerning Mrs. Washington, mother of George : On one 
occasion an agent in her employ, trusting to his own judgment, 
had disobeyed her orders. Said she, " I command you ! There 
is nothing left for you but to obey," When her son-in-law. Col- 
onel Lewis, proposed to take the general superintendence of her 
affairs, she answered : " Do you, Fielding, keep my books in 
order, for your eyesight is better than mine, but leave the execu- 
tive management to me." In her advanced years, she chose to 
maintain a residence by herself. Thanking her children for their 
kind offers, and saying that her wants were few in this life, she 
kept up her own home. She was a woman of prayer, and retired 
by herself for meditation and religious exercises. 

Washington obtained a fair English education, and took up the 
business of surveying. He began his military career when nine- 
teen years of age, and retired from service with the rank of Col- 
onel. For several consecutive years he served as member of the 
House of Burgesses, beginning 1760, 



5 o6 A M ERICA N CHRIS TIA N R ULERS. 

He was a member of the first Congress which assembled in 
Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, September 5, 1774. He was 
present on the morning of the 7th, when Rev. Jacob Duche, 
Episcopalian, having read, .... Plead fny cause, O Lord, with 
them that strive with me ; fight against them that fight against me 
. . . . " unexpectedly to everybody, broke out into extempore 
prayer." 

" Oh, Lord, our Heavenly Father, . . . who . . . reignest with 
power supreme over all kingdoms, empires and governments ; 
look down in mercy, we beseech thee, on these American States, 
who have fled to thee from the rod of the oppressor, and thrown 
themselves on thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth 
dependent only on thee. . . ." [The solemnity of the occasion, 
seemed to affect every one present, particularly Washington, who, 
it is remarked, while others stood, went through the ceremony in a 
kneeling posture.] See Frontispiece. 

As soon as the government had determined to assume action 
against Great Britain, Washington was appointed Commander-in- 
chief of all her forces, raised or to be raised. His appointment 
was suggested by John Adams, and the nomination was made by 
Thomas Johnson. The choice was by ballot and unanimous. 

In Washington's reply of acceptance to the President of Con- 
gress, he writes : " As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Con- 
gress that as no pecuniary considerations could have tempted me 
to accept this arduous employment at the expense of my domestic 
ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I 
will keep an exact account of my expenses ; those I doubt not 
they will discharge, and that is all I desire." 

In announcing this appointment to his wife from Philadelphia, 
June 18, 1775, he writes : "You may believe me, my dear Patsy, 
when I assure you, in the most solemn manner, that, so far from 
seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my 
power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with 
you and the famil}', but from a consciousness of its being a trust 
too great for my capacity, and that I should enjoy more real 
happiness in one month with you at home, than I have the most 
distant prospect of finding abroad, if my stay was to be seven 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 507 

times seven years. But as it has been a kind of destiny that has 
thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking it 
is designed to answer some good purpose. . . . My earnest and 
ardent desire is, that you would pursue any plan that is most 
likely to produce content, and a tolerable degree of tranquillity ; 
as it must add greatly to my uneasy feelings to hear that 
you are dissatisfied or complaining at what I really could not 
avoid." 

He joined the army at Cambridge in July, 1775 ; in 1776 fought 
the battles of Long Island, White Plains, Trenton and Princeton; 
in 1777 those of Brandywine and Germantown ; in 1778 that of 
Monmouth; in 1781 captured Cornwallis at Yorktown, thereby 
virtually closing the war. 

He was elected the first President of the United States, and 
served from 17S9 to 1793; was re-elected, and served from 1793 
to 1797. 

The ceremonies of the first Inauguration, are reported as 
follows : " In the morning of the day appointed, the clergy of dif- 
ferent denominations assembled their congregations in their 
respective places of worship, and offered up publick prayers for the 
President and people of the United States. About noon a pro- 
cession, followed by a multitude of citizens, moved from the 
President's house to Federal Hall. When they came within a 
short distance of the Hall, the troops formed a line on both sides 
of the way, through which Mr. Washington, accompanied by the 
Vice-President, Mr. John Adams, passed into the Senate chamber. 
Immediately after, accompanied by both Houses, he went into the 
gallery fronting Broad Street, and before them and an immense 
concourse of citizens, took the oath prescribed by the Constitu- 
tion, and administered by R. R. Livingstone, Chancellor of the 
State of New York. The Chancellor then proclaimed him Presi- 
dent of the United States. This was answered by the discharge 
of thirteen guns." 

Having fulfilled his work as Chief Magistrate, he repaired to 
Mount Vernon, and engaged again in agriculture. Writing to a 
friend he says : " Breakfast over, I mount my horse, and ride 
around my farms, which employs me until it is time to dress for 
dinner, at which I rarely miss to see strange faces, come as they 



508 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

say out of respect to me. And how different is this from having 
a few social friends at a cheerful board." 

From different sources, testimony has been furnished concern- 
ing Washington's religious character. 

Says Rev. Mr. McGuire, writing in 1836 : "The following extract 
is from a volume of sermons recently published by Dr. Chapman, 
of Portland, Ale. ' From the lips of a lady of undoubted veracity, 
yet living, and a worthy communicant of the Church, I received 
the interesting fact, that soon after the close of the Revolutionary 
War, she saw him [Washington] partake of the consecrated sym- 
bols of the body and blood of Christ, in Trinity Church, in the 
city of New York.' " 

Hosack, in his life of Clinton, gives the following: "While the 
American army, under command of Washington, lay in the vicinity 
of Morristown, it occurred that the service of communion then 
observed semi-annually, was to be administered in the Presby- 
terian Church in that village. One morning of the previous week, 
the General visited the house of Rev. Dr. Jones, then pastor of 
that church. 'I understand,' said he, 'that the Lord's Supper is 
to be celebrated with you next Sunday. I would learn if it 
accords with the canons of your church to admit communicants of 
another denomination.' ' Certainly,' said Mr. Jones, ' ours is not 
the Presbyterian's table, but the Lord's ; and hence we give the 
Lord's invitation to all his followers of whatsoever name.' 'That 
is as it ought to be,' said the General. ' I thought I would ascer- 
tain it from yourself, as I propose to join with you. Though a 
member of the Church of England, I have no exclusive par- 
tialities.' !,' 

Says Jared Sparks : " Robert Lewis, of Fredericksburg, nephew 
of Washington, and his Private Secretary, says that he had inci- 
dentally witnessed his private devotions in his library both morn- 
ing and evening ; that on those occasions he had seen him in a 
kneeling posture with a Bible open before him, and that he 
believed such was his daily practice." 

Says Mr. Weems, formerly Rector of Mount Vernon Parish: 
" I have been informed by Colonel B. Temple, of King William 
County, Va., who was one of his aids in the French and Indian 
War, that he has frequently known Washington, on the Sabbath, 



GEORGE IVASHINGTOiY. 509 

read the Scriptures and pray with his regiment, in the absence of 
his chaplain, and also that, on sudden and unexpected visits to 
his marquee, he has, more than once, found him on his knees at 
his devotions.*' 

Says Rev. John M. Mason, pastor of the Associate Reformed 
Church, New York City, writing in the year 1800 : " That invis- 
ible hand which girded him at first, continued to guard and to 
guide him through the successive stages of the Revolution. Nor 
did he account it a weakness to bend the knee in homage to its 
supremacy, and prayer for its direction. This was the armor of 
Washington ; this the salvation of his country." 

During the first session of Congress, a gentleman, residing in 
Philadelphia, observed to Secretary Thomson that he had heard 
much of Mr. Washington from Virginia, and would be glad to 
know how he could distinguish him. Mr. Thomson replied : 
" You can easily distinguish him when Congress goes to prayers — 
Mr. Washington is the gait Icvian who kneels doicn." 

In a letter to Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, dated December, 

1778, Washington writes: "Providence has heretofore taken us 
up, when all other means and hopes seemed to be departing from 
us." 

In a letter to Gen. Thomas Nelson, in Congress, dated March, 

1779, he writes : "Unanimity in our councils, disinterestedness in 
our pursuits, and steady perseverance in our national duty, are the 
only means to avoid misfortunes. If they come upon us after 
these, we shall have the consolation of knowing that we have done 
our best. The rest is with God. " 

According to Rev. Dr. McGuire, a member of the Washington 
family once stated in the hearing of this gentleman, that when 
Washington first left the paternal roof, the last thing his mother 
said to him was : " My son, neglect not the duty of secret prayer." 

Different religious bodies communicated with Washington on 
the occasion of his election to the Presidency. 

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of 
America, embrace the earliest opportunity to testify the unfeigned pleasure, 
which they with the rest of their fellow-citizens felt on your appointment to the 
first office in the nation. . . . Public virtue is the most certain means of public 
felicity, and religion is the surest basis of virtue. We therefore esteem it a 



5IO AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

peculiar happiness to behold in our Chief Magistrate a steady, uniform, 
avowed friend of the Christian religion. . . . We pray Almighty God to have 
you always in his holy keeping. May he prolong your valuable life, an orna- 
ment and a blessing to your country, and at last bestow on you the glorious 
reward of a faithful servant. By order of the General Assembly, 

John Rodgeks, Moderator. 
Philadelphia, May 26, 1789. 

We, the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church humbly beg leave, in 
the name of our Society, collectively, in these United States, to express to you 
the warm feelings of our hearts, and our sincere congratulations on your 
appointment to the Presidentship of these States. We are conscious from the 
signal proofs you have already given, that you are a friend of mankind, and 
under this established idea, place as full confidence in your wisdom and integ- 
rity, for the preservation of those civil and religious liberties which have been 
transmitted to us ... . as we believe ought to be reposed in man. . . , And 
we promise you our fervent prayers to the throne of grace, that God Almighty 
may endue you with all the graces and gifts of his Holy Spirit, — that he may 
enable you to fill your important station to his glory, the good of his Church, 
the happiness and prosperity of the United States, and the welfare of mankind. 
Signed, in behalf of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 

Thomas' Coke, 

Francis Asbury. 
New York, May 29, 1789. 

We, the Bishops, clergy and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia 
and South Carolina, in General Convention assembled, beg leave, with the 
highest veneration, and the most animating national considerations, at the 
earliest moment in our power, to express our cordial joy on your election to 
the chief magistracy of the United States. . . . We devoutly implore the 
Supreme Ruler of the Universe to preserve you long in health and prosperity, 
an animating example of all public and private virtues, . . . and that you may 
finally receive the reward which will be given to those whose lives have been 
spent in prpmoting the happiness of mankind. 

William White, 
Bishop of Pennsylvania, and President of the Convention. 
August 1, 1789. 

The Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church in North America embrace the 
occasion of their annual session, being the first since your appointment, to 
present you their sincere congratulations. . . . We cannot forbear expressing 
our gratitude to God, for preserving your valuable life, amidst so many dangers, 
till this time ; . . . for endowing you with great virtues, and calling them into 
exercise by great events ; for giving you remarkable prudence and moderation ; 
and for making your talents the more conspicuous, by superinducing the orna- 
ment of humility. . . . May the blessings of millions come upon you, and your 



GEORGE IVASIIINGTQN. 511 

name be grateful to all posterity. Above all, may you finish your course with 
joy, be numbered among the redeemed of the Lord, and enter into everlasting 
rest. In the name, and by order of Synod, 

John II. Livingston, 
Richard Vakick. 

New York, October g, 1789. 

The Moravian Church writes: 

The Directors of the Society of the United Brethren for propagating the 
Gospel among the heathen, do, in the name of this Society, and in the name of 
all the Brethren's congregations in these United States, most cordially congrat- 
ulate you on being appointed President of the United States of America. . . . 
Permit us at the present time to recommend the Brethren's mission among the 
Indians .... on Lake Erie, to your kind notice and protection. . . . We 
pray the Lord to strengthen your healtii, to support you daily by his Divine 
assistance, and to be himself your shield and great reward. 

John Aisner Aubner. 
Bethlehem, July 10, 1789. 

Permit the children of the .stock of Abraham to approach you with the most 
cordial affection and esteem for your person and merit. . . . With pleasure we 
reflect on those days of difficulty and danger, when the God of Israel, who 
delivered David from the peril of the sword, shielded your head in the day of 
battle ; and we rejoice to think that the same spirit that rested in the bosom of 
the beloved Daniel, enabling him to preside over the provinces of the Baby- 
lonish empire, rests, and ever will rest, ujjon you, enabling you to discharge 
the arduous duties of Chief Magistrate of these States. . . . Done and signed 
by order of the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, R. I. 

Moses Seixas, Warden. 

Auf^ust 17, 1790. * 

By order of Convention of the Universalist Church assembled 
in Philadelphia : 

Permit us, in the name of the Society whom we represent, to concur in the 
congratulations which have been offered you since your accession to the gov- 
ernment of the United States. For an account of our principles, we beg leave 
to refer you to the pamphlet we have now the honor to put into your hands. . . . 
We assure you that duty will not prompt us more than affection, to pray that 
you may long continue the support and ornament of our country, and that you 
may hereafter fill a higher station, and enjoy the greater reward of being a king 
and ])ricst t<j our God. Signed in behalf and by order of the convention. 

John Murray. 

Wm. Eur.ENE, Secretary. 

The Roman Catholic Church writes : 

We have long been impatient to testify our joy and unbounded confidence, 
on your being called, by a unanimous voice, to the first station of a country, in 



5 1 2 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

which that unanimity could not have been obtained, without the previous merit 
of unexampled services, of eminent wisdom, and unblemished virtue. By 
example, as well as by vigilance, you extend the influence of laws on the man- 
ners of our fellow-citizens. You encourage respect for religion, and inculcate, 
by words and actions, that principle on which the welfare of a nation so much 
depends, that a superintending Providence governs the events of the world, 
and watches over the conduct of men. . . . When we solicit the protection of 
Heaven over our common country, we neither omit, nor can we omit, recom- 
mending your preservation to the singular care of Divine Providence. 

John Carroll, 
In behalf of the Roman Catholic Clergy. 
Charles Carroll, 
Daniel Carroll, 
DoMiNiCK Lynch, 
Thomas Fitzsimmons, 
In behalf of the Roman Catholic Laity. 

The Swedenborgian Church writes : 

. . . We are led to believe that you were a chosen vessel for great and sal- 
utary purposes, and that both in your actions and your conduct, you justly 
stand one of the first disinterested and exemplary men upon the earth. . . . 
That the Lord Jesus, whom alone we acknowledge as the true God and eternal 
life, will preserve you long to reign in the hearts of the people, and lastingly to 
shine as a gem of the brightest lustre in the unfading mansions above, is the 
aspiration of your faithful citizens and affectionate brethren. Done in behalf 
of the Lord's new church at Baltimore, the 22d day of January, 1793. 

Teste: W. G, Didier, Secretary/;-^ A-w. 

To each of these organizations Washington wrote a letter in 
reply. 

To the Dutch Reformed Church he wrote : " I fear, gentlemen, 
your goodness has led you to form too exalted an opinion of my 
virtues and merits. If such talents as I possess have been called 
into action by great events, and those events have terminated 
happily for our country, the glory should be ascribed to the mani- 
fest interposition of an overruling Providence." 

To the Roman Catholic Church he wrote : " I feel that my 
conduct in war and in peace, has met with more general approba- 
tion than I could have reasonably expected; and I feel disposed 
to consider that fortunate circumstance, as in a great degree 
resulting from the able support and extraordinary candor of my 
fellow-citizens of all denominations." 

To the Swedenborgian Church he wrote : " We have abundant 



GEORGE IVASIimGTOiV. 513 

reason to rejoice that in this land tlie light of truth and reason 
has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition, and 
that every person may here worship God according to the dictates 
of his own heart." 

The following is a copy of Washington's first Thanksgiving 
Proclamation : 

" Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the Providence of 
Almightv God, to obey Uin will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly 
to implore His protection and favor : And whereas, both houses of Congress 
have, by their joint Committee, requested me ' To recommend to the People 
of the United States, a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be 
observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of 
Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to 
establish a form of Government for their safety and happiness,' 
" Now therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the twenty-sixth day 
of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service 
of that great and glorious ]5eing, who is the beneficent Author of all the 
good that was, that is, or that will be ; — That we may then all unite in render- 
ing unto Him our sincere and hunible thanks for His kind care and protection 
of the people of. this Country previous to their becoming a Nation ; — for the 
signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence 
in the course and conclusion of the late War ; for the great degree of tran- 
quillity, union and plenty, which we have since enjoyed ; — for the peaceable 
and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions 
of Government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one 
now lately instituted ; — for the civil and religious liberty wuth which we arc 
blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge ; — 
and in general, for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased 
to confer upon us : 

" And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and 
supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to par- 
dun our national and other transgressions ; — to enable us all, whether in 
public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly 
and punctually; — to render our national Government a blessing to all the 
people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just and Constitutional 
Laws, directly and faithfully executed and obeyed ; — to protect and guide all 
Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and 
to bless them with good Government, peace and concord ; — to promote the 
knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science 
among them and us ; — and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree 
of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. 

" Given under my hand at the City of New York, the third Day of October, 
in the vear of our Lord, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Nine. 

" G. Washington." 



5 14 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

The following are notes and incidents referring to Washing- 
ton: 

He was an extensive farmer, and raised in one year on his 
Mount Vernon estate, seven thousand bushels of wheat, and ten 
thousand bushels of corn. 

When Stuart was painting his portrait, he was rallied one day 
by the General for his slow work. " The canvas must dry," said 
the painter. The negro, Sam, overheard the conversation and 
took occasion when the parties were out, to place the picture 
before the fire. Washington in anger dismissed him, and told 
him never to show his face again. The next day, Sam was called 
into the presence of the General, who drew from his jacket a new 
silver watch, and said : "Take this watch, and whenever you look 
at it, remember that your master in a moment of passion said to 
you what he now regrets." 

When he went to the Ohio in 1770 to explore wild lands, he 
there met an aged Indian chief who had come a long way to see 
him. This chief told him through an interpreter, that during the 
battle of Braddock's Field, he fired at him many times, and 
directed his young warriors to do the same. As none of the balls 
took effect, he concluded that he was under the special guardian- 
ship of the great Spirit and ceased firing at him. Writing to his 
brother John, after this battle, he says : " I had four bullets 
through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped 
unhurt." 

Of his last vote in the spring of 1799, the following is told: 
" The Court-house at Alexandria was situated over the Market 
house, and was entered by a flight of insecure steps on the out- 
side. As Washington approached these steps, several men 
sprang simultaneously, and placed themselves in position to 
support the stairs. ' How do you vote ? ' was asked as he 
approached the polls. ' I vote for measures, not for men,' said 
he, and turning to the recording table, audibly pronounced his 
vote, saw it entered, made a graceful bow and retired." 

The journal of a Frenchman, written in 1782, pictures him as 
follows : " The General is about forty-nine years of age ; is large, 
finely made, well proportioned. His figure is much more pleasing 
than the portraits represent. His physiognomy is pleasant and 



GEORGE WASIIINGTO.V. 515 

open, his address is cold, though polite, his pensive eye is more 
attentive than sparkling, his aspect is kind and noble. He is 
the enemy of ostentation." 

Washington was married January 6, 1759, to ]\Iartha, widow of 
Colonel Daniel Parke Custis, and daughter of John Dandridge, of 
New Kent County, Va. She lived to the age of seventy. Of her 
children by Mr. Custis, Martha died in womanhood at Mount 
Vernon, in 1770, and John died in 1781, at the siege of York- 
town, aged twenty-seven, leaving several children. Washington 
had no children. 

The following are items from his will. 

" Upon the decease of my wife, it is my will and desire that 
all the slaves I hold in my own right shall receive their free- 
dom." 

" To the trustees, governors (or by whatsoever other name they 
may be designated), of the Academy, in the town of Alexandria, I 
give and bequeath, in trust, twenty of the shares which I hold in 
the Bank of Alexandria, towards the support of a free school, 
established at, and annexed to the said Academy, for the purpose 
of educating such orphan children, or the children of such other 
poor and indigent persons as are unable to accomplish it witii 
their own means, and who, in the judgment of the trustees 
of the said seminary, are best entitled to the benefit of this 
donation." 

"The hundred shares which I hold in the James River Com- 
pany, I have given, and now confirm in perpetuity, to and for the 
use of Liberty Hall Academy, in the county of Rockbridge, in the 
commonwealth of Virginia." 

"Whereas it has always been my intention, since my expectation 
of having issue has ceased, to consider the grandchildren of my 
wife in the same light as I do my own relations, and to act a 
friendly part by them, more especially by the two whom we have 
raised from their earliest infancy . . ." 

" To my nephew, Bushrod Washington, I give and bequeath all 
the papers in my possession, whifch relate to my civil and military 
administration of the affairs of this country. I leave to him, also, 
such of my private papers as are worth preserving ; and at the 
decease of my wife, and before, if she is not inclined to retain 



5 l6 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

them, I give and bequeath my library of books and pamphlets of 
every kind." 

The library of Washington, each book bearing his autograph, is 
deposited in the Boston Atheneum. 



NOAH WEBSTER. 

REPRESENTATIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1814, 1815, 

1819.* 

John Webster, early ancestor of Noah, was one of the first set- 
tlers of Hartford, Connecticut ; became Governor of the State in 
1639 5 subsequently, with Rev. Mr. Russell and others, removed 
to j\Iassachusetts. 

Noah Webster, father of Noah, and descendant in the fourth 
generation of John, was a farmer in West Hartford, and lived to 
the age of ninety-one. His wife, Mercy, a descendant of William 
Bradford, was " respected for her virtues and piety." 

Noah Webster was born in what is now West Hartford, Conn., 
October i6, 1758 ; died at New Haven, May 28, 1843. 

The house in which he was born is still standing [1883], about a 
mile from the corners on the road leading south. He worked on 
his father's farm, and went to the village school ; and when four- 
teen years of age, commenced the study of the classics under the 
instruction of the clergyman of the parish, Rev. Nathan Per- 
kins. 

He graduated at Yale College in 1778; taught school in Hart- 
ford, studying law at the same time without the aid of an 
instructor, and in 1782 taught a classical school at Goshen, 
Orange County, N. Y. 

He commenced the practice of law at Hartford in 1789; 
removed to New York in 1793, and commenced a daily paper 
under the title of the Mincnuj, subsequently changed to the Cotn- 
menial Advertiser ; in the spring of 1798 removed to New Haven, 
and served for several sessions as Representative in the State 

* " Biography," by Chauncey A. Goodrich ; Webster's '* Elementary Spel- 
ling Book"; "Noah Webster," by Horace E. Scudder ; Allen. 

5>7 



5 1 8 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

Legislature. In 1812 he removed to Amherst, Mass., and served 
as Representative in the Massachusetts Legislature in 1814, 1815 
and 1819. 

The " American Dictionary of the English Language," was pre- 
pared by Noah Webster. 

In publishing the work obstacles were encountered. From 
London he writes : " I have been trying for some weeks to find a 
purchaser of my dictionary, but without success. The work is too 
heavy for me to publish at my own expense. The gentlemen who 
have examined a portion of the manuscript think well of it, and 
one bookseller says explicitly that the work will maintain its 
ground." 

The author's preface to this Dictionary closes with these words. 
" To that great and benevolent Being, who during the jDrepara- 
tion of this work, has sustained a feeble constitution, amidst 
obstacles and toils, who has borne me and my manuscript in 
safety across the Atlantic, and given me strength and resolution 
to bring the, work to a close, I would present the tribute of my 
most grateful acknowledgments. And if the talent which he 
intrusted to my care has not been put to the most profitable use in 
his service, I hope it has not been 'kept laid up in a napkin,' and 
that any misapplication of it may be graciously forgiven. 

Noah Webster," 

" Webster's Elementary Spelling Book " attained a sale of 
upwards of forty million copies, and during his twenty years of 
labor in compiling the American Dictionary, he supported his 
family on the profits of this work, at a premium for copyright of 
less than a cent a copy. The reading lessons in this book incul- 
cate thoughts and precepts, which might still be of value to the 
young, and from generation to generation. For instance : 

Examine the Scriptures daily. 

A good son will help his father. 

The man who drinks rum will soon want a loaf of bread. 

We like to have our friends visit us. 

Visitors should not make their visits too long. 

The devil is the great adversary of man. 

Legislation is the enacting of laws. 



NOAH WEBSTER. 519 

God is the divine legislator. 

A mediator is a third person who interposes to adjust a dispute 
between parties at variance. 

Christ is the mediator between an offended God and offending 
man. 

Confess your sins and forsake them. 

It is our duty to exert our talents in doing good. 

" Mr. Webster was a firm believer, during a large part of his life, 
in the religious doctrines of our Puritan ancestors. There was a 
period, however, from the time of his leaving college to the age of 
forty, when he had doubts as to some of those doctrines. In the 
winter of 1807-8, there was a season of general religious interest 
in New Haven. To this his attention was first directed, by 
observing an unusual degree of tenderness in all the adult mem- 
bers of his family. He took up the study of the Bible. As he 
advanced, the objections which he had formerly entertained 
against the humbling doctrines of the Gospel were removed. He 
felt theit truth in his own experience. He felt constrained, as he 
afterwards told a friend, to cast himself down before God, confess 
his sins, implore pardon through the merits of the Redeemer, and 
there make his vows of obedience to the commands and devotion 
to the seiTice of his Maker. With his characteristic promptitude, 
he made known to his family the feelings which he entertained. 
He called them together the next morning, and told them, that, 
while he had aimed at the faithful discharge of all his duties as 
their parent and head, he had neglected one of the most impor- 
tant, that of family prayer. After reading the Scriptures, he led 
them in prayer. He made a public profession of religion in 
April, 1808. His two oldest daughters united with him in the act, 
and another, only twelve years of age, was soon added to the num- 
ber." 

In all his dealings, and in social intercourse, Mr. Webster was 
remarkably direct, frank, and open. No one ever thought him 
capable of a dishonorable action. It was a principle with him 
never to be in debt ; everything was paid for at the time of pur- 
chase. 

In the discharge of his domestic duties, he was watchful con- 



520 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

sistent, and firm. Though immersed in study, he kept in his 
hands the control of his family arrangements, down to the minut- 
est particulars. In the government of his children there was but 
one rule, and that was instantaneous obedience. This was 
insisted upon as right, as, in the nature of things, due by a child 
to a parent. 

In his person, he was tall and somewhat slender, remarkably 
erect throughout life, and moving, even in his advanced years, 
with a light and elastic step. 

Mr. Webster was married, in 1789, to the daughter of William 
Greenleaf, of Boston. He had seven children, who lived to 
maturity. 




X^.i2^^ y^^^^*::^^^::- 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 

SECRETARY OF^ STATE, 1850-1853.* 

Says Mr. Webster, writing in 1829 : "My earliest ancestor, of 
whom I possess at present any knowledge, was Thomas Webster. 
HeAvas settled in Hampton, N. H., as early as 1636." 

The great-grandfather of Webster was a farmer, and with the 
help of his boys tilled his own acres. 

Ebenezer Webster, father of Daniel, and eldest son of Ebene- 
zer and Susannah Bachelder, was born at Kingston, N. H., in 
1739 ; was one of the original settlers of that part of Salisbury, 
now known as Franklin, N. H., was a soldier and officer in the 
Revolutionary War, and served in the State Legislature. By two 
marriages, he had five sons and five daughters. "My first dis- 
tinct recollection of my father's appearance," says Mr. Webster, 
"was when he was at the age of fifty. He was tall, nearly six 
feet, erect, with broad and full chest, hair still of an unchanged 
black, features rather large and prominent, a Roman nose, and 
eyes of brilliant black. He had a decisive air and bearing, 
partly the effect I suppose of early soldiership." 

Daniel Webster was born in Salisbury, N. H., January 18, 1782, 
died at Marshfield, Mass., October 23, 1852. 

" It did not happen to me to be born in a log cabin," said 
Mr. Webster, " but my elder brothers and sisters were born in a 
log cabin, raised amid the snow drifts of New Hampshire, at a 
period so early that, when the smoke first rose from its rude chim- 
ney, and curled over the frozen hills, there was no similar evi- 
dence of a white man's habitation between it and the settle- 
ment on the rivers of Canada. Its remains still exist [1840]. 

* "Autobiography of Webster"; Everett's " Life of Webster "; Harvey's 
" Reminiscences of Webster " ■ '' Webster's Private Correspondence." 

521 



522 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" I make to it an annual visit. I carry my children to it, to 
teach them the hardships endured by the generations which have 
gone before them, I love to dwell on the tender recollections, 
the kindred ties, the early affections and the touching narratives 
and incidents, which mingle with all I know of this primitive 
family abode." 

His mother directed his early education. The Bible, the 
" Assembly's Catechism," and Watts' " Psalms and Hymns," were 
among the books that he studied. He could repeat Pope's 
" Essay on Man," when twelve years of age. 

Says a Mr. Tappan, one of his early teachers : " On a Saturday 
I held up a new jack-knife to the scholars and said that the boy 
who would commit to memory the greatest number of verses in 
the Bible by Monday morning should have it. Many of the boys 
did ,well, but when it came Daniel's turn to recite, after hearing 
him repeat some sixty or seventy verses, I was obliged to give up, 
— he telling me that there were several chapters yet that he had 
learned. Daniel got the knife." 

The following is a letter from Mr. Webster to his old teacher, 

Mr. Tappan, then residing in Gloucester, Mass. A gratuity of 

fifty dollars was inclosed. 

" Washington, February 26, 185 1. 
" Master Tappan : 

" I thank 3 ou for your letter, and am rejoiced to know that you are among 

the living. I remember you perfectly well as a teacher of my infant years. I 

suppose my mother must have taught me to read very early, as I have never 

been able to recollect the time when I could not read the Bible. I think 

Master Chase was my earliest schoolmaster, probably when I was three or four 

years old. Then came Master Tappan. You boarded at our house, and 

sometimes, I think, in the family of Mr. Benjamin Sanborn, our neighbor, the 

lame man. . . . You have indeed lived a checkered life ; I hope you have been 

able to bear prosperity with meekness, and adversity with patience. These 

things are all ordered for us far better than we could order them for ourselves. 

We may pray for our daily bread ; we may pray for the forgiveness of sin ; we 

may pray to be kept from temptation, and that the kingdom of God may come, 

in us and in all men, and his will everywhere be done. Beyond this we hardly 

know for what good to supplicate the Divine Mercy. Our Heavenly Father 

knoweth what we have need of better than we know ourselves, and we are 

sure that his eye and his loving-kindness are upon us and around us every 

moment. I thank you again, my good old schoolmaster, for your kind 

letter, which has awakened many sleeping recollections, and, with all good 

wishes, " I remain, your friend and pupil. 

" Daniel Webster." 



DANIEL VVEBSTKR. 523 

Professor Sanborn, of Dartmoulli College, speaking of Daniel 
Webster, says : " He was an accomplished reader early in life. 
He once told me that he recollected, when a very small boy, that 
the teamsters from the North who called at his father's tavern for 
refreshment used to insist on his reading them a psalm. They 
leaned upon their long whip-stocks and listened, with delighted 
attention, to the elocution of the young orator. There was a 
charm in his voice, at this early age. The hymns which he then 
committed, he recited with pleasure to the close of life. He was 
often heard singing or reciting stanzas from Watts as he walked 
about his house or grounds. At Franklin, in September, 185 1, 
while he was laboring under severe indisposition, I often heard 
ihe clear, silvery tones of his voice ringing through the old house 
as he sung — 

' Our lives through various scenes are drawn, 
And vexed with trifling cares; 
While thine eternal thoughts move on 
Thine undisturbed affairs.' " 

He entered Dartmouth College at the age of fifteen. In addi- 
tion to the college studies, he read much in general history and 
philosophy. As a composer and speaker, there was not his equal 
in the class. He had no collision with any one, nor appeared to 
enter into the concerns of others, but emphatically minded his 
own business. He was a strict observer of the Sabbath while in 
college, and read much in the Bible and religious books. 

Graduating in 1801, he entered upon the study of law, first in 
his native village, afterwards at Fryeburg, Me., where at the 
same time he had charge of an Academy, and was also a copyist 
in the office of the Register of Deeds. He was admitted to the 
Bar of Suffolk, Mass., in 1805. He had intended to estabhsh 
himself at Portsmouth in his native state, but filial duty kept him 
nearer home. His father was now infirm from the advance of 
years and had no other son at home. Under these circumstances 
Mr. Webster opened an office at Boscawen, not far from his 
father's residence. In September, 1807, after his father's death, 
he relinquished his office in Boscawen to his brother, Ezekiel, and 
removed to Portsmouth, where he continued the practice of his 
profession for nine years. In December, 1813, while absent from 



524 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

home, by the great fire in Portsmouth, his house with its contents, 
including his Hbrary, were destroyed. This disaster determined 
him to seek a new location, and he hesitated between the two 
cities of Albany and Boston. He fixed upon Boston, and there 
established himself in the year 18 16. 

In 18 1 2 he was elected a Representative in Congress from 
New Hampshire, and served two terms. In 1822 he was elected 
a Representative in Congress from Boston, and served two terms. 
In 1827 he was elected United States Senator, was re-elected in 
1833, ^"d again in 1839. In 1841 he retired from the Senate to 
accept the office of Secretary of State under President Harrison. 
Upon the accession of Mr. Tyler to the Presidenc}-, Mr. Webster, 
unlike the rest of the Harrison Cabinet, remained in office, and in 
the spring of 1843 retired for a season to private life. In 1845 
he was again sent to the Senate, and in 1850 he became Secre- 
tary of State under President Fillmore. 

On the floor of Congress, he cherished magnanimity toward 
both sections of the country. Said he : " If I see extraordinary 
capacity and virtue in any son of the South, and if, moved by 
local prejudice, I get up here to abate the tithe of a hair from his 
just character and just fame, — may my tongue cleave to the roof 
of my mouth 1 " 

" In early life Mr. Webster united with the Congregational 
Church in Salisbury, his native town, where his father, mother, 
and elder brothers and sisters belonged. On removing to Ports- 
mouth, he took a letter from this church to Dr. Buckminster's, 
also Congregationalist. When he went to Boston, he carried a 
letter to the Brattle Street Church." 

The following are among the utterances of Mr. Webster in the 
line of religious sentiment and experience; 

" History instructs us that this love of religious liberty, a com- 
pound sentiment in the breast of man, made up of the clearest 
sense of right and the highest conviction of duty, is able to look 
the sternest despotism in the face, and with means apparently 
most inadequate, to shake principalities and powers. There is a 
boldness, a spirit of daring, in religious reformers, not to be 
measured by the general rules which control men's purposes and 
actions." 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 525 

" Religion is a necessary and indispensable element in any 
great human character. ... A man with no sense of religious 
duty, is he whom the Scriptures describe in terse and terrific 
language, as living without God, and without hope in the 
world." 

On one occasion, laying his hand on the Bible, he said : "This 
is the book. 1 have read through the entire Bible many times. 
I now make a practice to go through it once a year. It is the 
book of all others for lawyers as well as divines." 

The following is Mr. Webster's Confession of Faith, dated 
Boscawen, N. H., August 8, 1807; 

" I believe in the existence of Almighty God, who created and 
governs the whole world. I am taught this by the works of 
nature and the words of revelation. I believe that God exists in 
three persons ; this I believe from revelation alone. ... I 
believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the 
will and word of God. I believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of 
God. The miracles which he wrought establish in my mind His 
personal authority. . . . And I believe there is no other way of 
salvation than through the merits of His atonement. I believe 
that things past, present, and to come, are all equally present in 
the mind of Deity, that with Him there is no succession of time 
nor of ideas. ... I believe in the doctrines of fore-knowledge 
and predestination as thus expounded. I do not believe in those 
doctrines as imposing any necessity on men's actions, or in any 
way infringing free agency. I believe in the inability of any 
human being to work out his own salvation without the constant 
aid of the Spirit of all grace. I believe in those great peculiari- 
ties of the Christian religion ; a resurrection of the dead and a 
day of judgment. ... I believe religion to be a matter, not of 
demonstration, but of faith. God requires us to give credit to the 
truths which he reveals, not because we can prove them, but 
because He declares them, ... I believe that all true religion 
consists in the heart and the affections, and that therefore all 
creeds and confessions are fallible and uncertain evidences of 
evangelical piety. I believe that Christ has imposed on all His 
disciples a life of active benevolence, that he who refrains only 



526 AMERICAN CIJKISTIAN RULERS. 

from what he thuiks to be sinful, has performed but a part of his 
duty ; that he is bound to love his neighbor, to give food and 
drink to his enemy, to endeavor as far as in him lies, to promote 
peace, truth, piety, and happiness in a wicked and forlorn world ; 
believing, that in the Great Day there will be no other standard 
of merit than that which is already established : ' By their fruits 
ye shall know them.' " 

With all his reverence for the Bible and right action Mr. Web- 
ster had weaknesses of character. While he could argue in behalf 
of wise expenditure, his own finances were at times disordered ; 
while he could advise moderation in daily living, in his own 
behavior he could but confess to " some degree of intemperance 
in eating and drinking"; while his pen could testify, — "The 
longer I live, the more highly do I estimate the importance of a 
proper observance of the Christian Sabbath," that same pen was 
allowed on a Sabbath morning to give in detail his directions to 
his farm hand, Mr. Taylor. 

Dining at the Astor House, New York, one day while Secretary 
of State, he seemed weary and little inclined to sociability. 
Effort to draw him out seemed of little avail, and at length one of 
the company put to him this question. " Mr. Webster, what was 
the most important thought that ever occupied your mind ? " He 
slowly passed his hand over his forehead, and in a low tone said 
to a friend near him : " Is there any one here who does not 
know me ? " " No, sir, they all know you — are all your friends." 
Then he looked over the table, and said he : " The most impor- 
tant thought that ever occupied my mind, was that of my individ- 
ual responsibility to God;" — upon which, for some minutes he 
spoke to them, and when he had finished, he rose from the table 
and retired to his room. 

Says a Presbyterian clergyman : " I was a student in Mr. Web- 
ster's office, in Portsmouth, during his second term in the lower 
House of Congress. He was then a communicant in the Presby- 
terian Church, of which Rev. J. W. Putnam was pastor. My own 
mind was then deeply awakened to the subject of religion. I 
united with the same church, and went for the first time to the 
communion table in company with my esteemed preceptor. 



i 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 527 

These important events in my own life led me to frequent conver- 
sations with Mr. Webster on the subject of religion as well as of 
law. The result was, I relinquished the study of the law, with his 
approval and advice, for the study of Theology." 

In the year 1834, Rev. J. O. Chowles, in company with Mr. 
Webster, passed through the Sound, and they occupied together 
the captain's state-room. " At night, Mr. Webster took up my 
Bible," says Mr. Chowles, "read the Twenty-third Psalm, and 
asked me to commend ourselves to God. That evening I asked 
him if his religious views were those of the Onhodox Congrega- 
tionalists, with whom I had heard that he united in early life. 
'Yes,' he said, he thought that he had never changed his reli- 
gious opinions, that he regarded Jonathan Edwards as being as 
nearly the stamp of truth as any mere human writer." 

Mr, Webster's religious character has especially been portrayed 
in a visit once paid by him to his brother-in-law, Mr. Colby. 
Peter Harvey gives the account : 

"In the Autumn of 185 1, I was spending a few weeks with 
him at his place in Franklin. One pleasant jnorning he said to 
me : ' I am going to take a drive up to Andover, and I want you 
to go with me.' 

" The horse was harnessed, and as we rode along, Mr. Webster 
related many reminiscences called to mind by different objects 
that we passed. ' Now I will tell you,' said he, '"the object of 
this trip to-day. I am going to see a man by the name of Colby. 
John Colby is a brother-in-law of mine ; he married my oldest 
half sister. I have not seen him for forty-five years, as nearly as 
I can recollect. My sister, his wife, has been dead many years, 
and any interest I may have had in John Colby has all died 
out; but I have learned some particulars about his recent life 
that interest me. When I was a lad at home, on the farm, he 
was a smart, driving, trading, swearjng yeoman, money-loving, 
and money getting. . . He was as the world goes, a thrifty man. 
Any of the girls in town would have married him. . . I have 
been told by persons who know, that, within a few years, he lias 
met with the mysterious change whicii we call a change of heart ; 
in other words he has become a consistent, praying Christian. I 



528 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

should have said that his was about as hopeless a case for con- 
version as I could well conceive.' 

" We drove on and reached the village. Mr. Webster accosted 
a lad in the street, and asked where John Colby lived. . . The 
door was open and there was no occasion to knock. Sitting in 
the middle of the room and facing the door was a striking figure, 
who proved to be Mr. Colby. Before him was a light stand, and 
upon it was an open volume of Scott's Family Bible. Mr. 
Webster's first salutation was : — 

" ' This is Mr. Colby, is it not ? ' 

" ' That is my name, sir.' 

"'I suppose you don't know me,' said Mr. Webster; 'you 
married my oldest sister,' calling her by name. 

" ' I married your oldest sister ! ' exclaimed Colby ; ' who are 
you ? ' 

" ' I am little Dan,' was the repl}'. 

"'You Daniel Webster?' said he; 'is it possible that this is 
the little black lad that used to ride the horse to water?' 

" Mr, Webster approached him — they embraced each other, 
and both wept. 

"'Is it possible,' said Mr. Colby, 'that you have come up 
here to see me ? I never expected to see you again. Why, 
Daniel, I read about you, and hear about you in all ways. They 
say that you are a great man, and you can't tell how delighted I 
am when I hear such things. But, Daniel, the time is short, — 
you won't stay here long, — I want to ask you one important 
question. You may be "^ great man ; are you a good man ? You 
know, Daniel, what I have been. I have been one of the 
wickedest of men. But the Spirit of Christ and of Almighty 
God has come down and plucked me as a brand from the burn- 
ing. I would not give what is within the covers of this Book for 
all the honors that have ever been conferred upon men. If you 
are not a Christian, Daniel, if you are not repentant, if you do 
not love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, all your 
worldly honors will sink to nothingness.' 

" Said Mr. Webster, ' I hope that I am a Christian. I profess 
to be a Christian. But, while I say that, I wish to add, — and I 
say it with shame, — that I am not such a Christian as I wish I 



i 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 529 

were. I hope and trust that I am a Christian ; and that the 
same grace that has converted you, and made you an heir of 
salvation, will do the same for me.' , . We knelt down, and Mr. 
Webster offered prayer ; Mr. Colby followed.* Then we rose, and 
said he, 'What can we give you.'' I don't think we have any- 
thing that we can give you.' 

" ' Yes, you have,' replied Mr. Webster, ' I want a bowl of 
bread and milk, for myself and my friend.' The table was set, 
and bread and milk were brought. . . The brothers-in-law soon 
took an affectionate leave of each other, and we left." 

Men have thus paid tribute to Mr. Webster : 

" He came of a race of sturdy farmers. The toils and hard- 
ships of live generations, on rough lands, under a bracing climate, 
had packed his system with hidden strength. So that when, in 
the progress of years, his form came to be rounded out to its 
full proportions, no such man trod the continent. His brain 
exceeded in size the common average, by at least one third. Only 
two such heads had ever been noticed in the world before." 

" He was a quiet man, silent for the most part, attentive, listen- 
ing, thinking, seldom speaking. When he did speak it was on 
some occasion worthy of him. His step as he came forward was 
lion-like, his whole bearing majestic and kingly. You felt before 
he opened his lips, that all your reasons and all your argu- 
ments were giving way. His voice was deep-toned yet musical. 
Except in moments of high excitement, he had little action. A 
sentiment of reverence everywhere pervades his speeches and 
writings." 

"He exhibited in public life a native dignity of manner which 
forbade the approaches of intrusive meddlers, and arrested at 
once all impertinent interference with his appropriate business." 

The faults of Mr. Webster have been brought to notice. 

" Sober and religious men of Boston yet mourn that their 
brothers were kidnapped in the city of Hancock and Adams — it 
was Daniel Webster who kidnapped them. Let history, 

' Sad as angels at the good man's sin, 
Blush to record and weep to give it in.' " 

The position of Mr. Webster, touching the above question, 
34 



530 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

is thus explained by Rev. Neliemiah Adams. " Mr. Webster's 
avowed principles and political services warrant the belief that, 
seeing the North and the South marshalling their forces, he 
sought to apply a 'means of protection and safety to the whole 
land, to save the country from events by which not only freemen, 
but slaves themselves, would be involved in calamities more dire- 
ful, in his view, even than slavery. In these measures, I must ex- 
press my persuasion, that he acted from a disinterested love to his 
whole country." 

Rev. George W. Webster, in a discourse at Wheelihg, Va,, thus 
apologizes for Mr. Webster, " Another item of calumny is, that 
he accepted money of the men of Boston, obligating himself 
thereby to ' take care of the cotton market,' or in good round 
terms to 'turn pro-slavery.' Look at the facts wliich gave rise to 
this aspersion. Mr. Webster's salary at Washington was as noth- 
ing to what he could earn in his profession. Becoming poor in 
his country's service, he asked his constituents to excuse him from 
public duty, that he might build up his broken fortunes in a more 
lucrative calling. The men of Boston generously subscribed the 
sum of $37,000 (for his country more than for him), and placed it 
at interest, and otherwise ministered to his wants, as a just and 
honorable inducement and remuneration for his continuance at 
Congress, instead of resuming the law. And this, I understand, 
was all open and above board. And for so worthy and patriotic 
an action, the men of Boston are published to the world as havdng 
bribed Mr. Webster. As to the charge of ' living freely and drink- 
ing wine,' I cannot deny or affirm it. But without scandal to the 
cause of Temperance, it admits of extenuation. He was a man of 
the olden time ; his habits, in this respect, were formed many years 
ago, and habit with him was strong. Besides, the charge is based 
on vague reports. There is certainly nothing in the record of his 
great services that indicates the blur and stupefaction of intem- 
perance ; and the style of his composition, and the method of his 
argument, show as clear a head and reliable nerves as any man 
ever possessed." 

'And Rev. Dr. Boardman, of Philadelphia, apologizes : " I can 
take no pleasure in dwelling on the alleged frailties of a man like 
Daniel Webster. I choose rather to leave them where all our 



DANIEL WEBSTER. 53 1 

errors and delinquencies must be left, and to dwell on those 
aspects of his character and life which are stamped with true ex- 
cellence and genuine sublimity, and which entitle him to the last- 
ing gratitude of the American people." 

Mr. Webster's farm at Marshfield took his attention, when not 
engaged in public cares. It was situated by the sea and afforded 
him varied recreation. Here was the family mansion, which 
great numbers since his death had visited, now destroyed by fire. 

He retired early at night, and rose early in the morning. And 
here is his " tribute to the morning." " We see as fine risings of 
the sun as ever Adam saw ; and its risings are as much a miracle 
now as they were in his day, and I think a good deal more, 
because it is now a part of the miracle, that for thousands and 
thousands of years he has come to his appointed time, without 
the variation of a millionth part of a second." 

The library of Mr. Webster contained six thousand volumes. 
Poetr)-, English History, Biographies of English Statesmen and 
their speeches, works in Natural History, in Agriculture, in The- 
ology, Encyclopedias, Dictionaries in different languages. Quar- 
terly and Monthly Journals entire, among them the London 
"Annual Register " from 1758 to 1824. The writings of Scott 
were there, but fiction generally was but little represented. 

Mr. Webster was married in 1808, to Grace, daughter of Rev. 
Mr. Fletcher. Their children were Charles, Julia, Edward and 
Fletcher. The last named, the only one who survived him, fell as 
Colonel of the Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteers in the battle of 
August 29, 1862, near Bull Run. His second wife was the 
daughter of a merchant in New York, Caroline Bayard Le Roy. 



JOHN WENTWORTH. 

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1717-1729.* 

William VVentworth, grandfather of John, emigrated from 
York County, England, and became a resident of New Hampshire. 
In company with thirty-four others, including Rev, John Wheel- 
right, on August 4, 1639, he signed "A Combination for a 
Government at Exeter." He removed to Wells, Me., with 
Wheelright, and when the latter went to England, on the acces- 
sion to power of Oliver Cromwell^ Wentworth removed to Dover, 
" where he was a ruling elder in the church, preaching often, 
and regularly supplying the pulpit at Exeter as late as 1693." He 
left nine sons and one daughter. 

Samuel Wentworth, father of John, settled in New Hampshire, 
and by Mary, his wife, had six children, three sons and three 
daughters, 

John Wentworth, third child of Samuel, was born in Ports- 
mouth, June 16, 1672 ; died there December 12, 1730. 

In 1711 he was appointed by Queen Anne a Councillor for New 
Hampshire, and held the office five years. He was Lieutenant- 
Governor of the Province from 1717 to 1729. The following is a 
copy of his Commission as Lieutenant-Governor. 

" George, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, 
Defender of the Faith, etc. To our trusty and well-beloved John Wentworth, 
Esq., greeting. 

" Whereas, by our Commission under our Great Seal of Great Britain, bear- 
ing date fifteenth day of June, I7r6, we have constituted and appointed Samuel 
Shute, Esq., our Captaiii-General and Governor-in-Chief in and over our 
Province of New Hampshire in New England, in America ; and we, reposing 

* Appleton ; "Collections of New Hampshire Historical Society," vols, i 
and 5 ; " Annals of Portsmouth," by Adams ; Belknap's " New Hampshire." 

532 



JOHN IVENTIVORTII. 533 

especial trust and confidence in your loyalty, courage, and circumspection, do 
by these presents, constitute and appoint you, the said John Wentworth, to be 
our Lieutenant-Governor of our said Province of New Hampshire in New 
England, to have, hold, exercise and enjoy the said place and office for and 
during our pleasure, with all rights, privileges, profits, perquisites and advan- 
tages to the same belonging or appertaining. And further, in case of the 
death, or absence of the said Samuel Shute, we do hereby authorize and 
empower you to execute and perform all and singular, the powers and direc- 
tions contained in our said Commission to the said Samuel Shute. . . . 

"Given at our Court at Hampton, the 1 2th day of September, 17 17, in the 
fourth year of our reigu. 

"By His Majesty's Command, 

" J. AddisonJ' 

In accepting and conducting this new trust, he had many diffi- 
culties to encounter. Wisdom was required to decide' between 
contending parties, and to reconcile conflicting interests. Pru- 
dence was needed in directing an Indian War. His mild adminis- 
tration gained the approbation of the inhabitants, and caused the 
affairs of the Province to flourish. 

The same good judgment which characterized his administra- 
tion of government led on his private matters, and his estate and 
fortune were enlarged. 

Mr. Wentworth was constant in his attendance upon public 
worship and regular in his family devotions. " Annals of Ports- 
mouth" thus notices his religious character. "He was born of 
pious parents, who educated him in the principles of the Christian 
religion. His inclinations led him to a -seafaring life, and he 
soon obtained the command of a ship. In this situation he was 
very exemplary in his conduct, and constantly maintained the 
worship of God in his ship, by morning and evening prayer." 

He had sixteen children. Penning Wentworth, his oldest child, 
became Governor of New Hampshire. One daughter married 
Hon. George Jaffrey ; another, Hon. Theodore Atkinson ; another 
Hon. Daniel Warner. 



WILLIAM ALMON WHEELER. 

VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1877-1881.* 

William A. Wheeler, only son of ■ Almon Wheeler, was born 
in Malone, Franklin County, N. Y., June 30, 1819 ; died there 
June 4, 1887. 

He received his early education at the Malone schools, " taught 
in the old schoolhouse on the green," entered the University of 
Vermont in 1838, and continued there two years. 

He studied law in the office of Asa Haskell, of Malone, was 
admitted to the Bar in 1845, succeeded Mr. Haskell as United 
States District Attorney of Franklin County, and held the position 
till 1849. 

In 1850 he was elected Member of Assembly for Franklin 
County; in 1857 was elected to the State Senate; in i860 was 
elected Representative to Congress ; in 1868 was again elected 
Representative to Congress, and re-elected for three successive 
terms; in 1876 was elected Vice-President of the United States, 
and took his seat as President of the Senate in March, 1877. 

The Malone Bank, organized in 185 1, made Mr. Wheeler its 
President. 

" If upon the platform he did not rank as an orator, nor upon 
the floor as an extempore debater, his words were weighted with 
sober sense, and inspired by an honest heart." 

The act in reference to back salary passed by Congress while 
Mr. Wheeler was a member, was opposed by him, but after it 
became a law, he drew the additional salary, invested the same 
in United States Government bonds ; then assigned the bonds to 
the Secretary of the Treasury, and had them cancelled. 

* Malone Farmer; Appleton ; "Discourse," by Rev. Charles S. Rich- 
ardson. 

534 



WILLIAM ALMON WHEELER. 535 

" Mr. Wliceler united wiih the Congregational Cliurch of 
Malone on profession of faith, in the year 1859. When asked for 
what he would give up his trust in God, his answer was, ' not for 
this whole world.' His creed was a simple one: man a sinner, 
therefore the vital necessity of repentance ; the atonement on 
Calvary, the provision ; and Christ the only Saviour. No one 
could have heard his prayers at the social meeting, without being 
impressed with his humility of spirit. He once gave expression 
to the regret that he had not done more personal work for the 
Master ; that he had let splendid opportunities go by ; * for', he 
said, ' I now look on that kind of work,' (leading men to the 
Saviour) ' as the greatest that can be done on earth.' " 

He gave to Auburn Theological Seminary $3000 as a perma- 
nent scholarship to aid any who might otherwise be unable to 
enter the Christian ministry. After recovery from a protracted 
illness in 1872, he resolved to make an annual thankoffering of 
Siooo to the Board of Home Missions, which purpose was faith- 
fully executed. From 1882 to 1886, his charities amounted to 
$40,000. 

His home was a modest brick building, erected by himself on 
the spot where his father before him had lived. 

His wife, " a woman of rare attractiveness and large heart," 
died just before his nomination for Vice-President. He left one 
daughter. 



ROGER WILLIAMS. 

PRESIDENT OF RHODE ISLAND COLONY, 1654-1657.* 

Roger Williams .was born in Wales about the year 1600 ; died 
in Providence, R. I., April, 1683. 

In the register of the parish church at Gwinear, Cornwall, may 
be found the following record : 

" Anno do 1600. Roger, the Second Sonne of William Wil- 
liams, a gent", was baptized the xxiii'' daie of Julye." 

That he was religiously educated may be inferred from the 
following statement which he made in advanced life. " From my 
childhood, now about threescore years, the Father of lights and 
mercies touched my soul with a love to himself, to his only 
begotten, the true Lord Jesus, and to his holy scriptures." 

He graduated from Pembroke College, Cambridge, England, 
was ordained a minister of the Established Church, and separated 
from that church on account of what he deemed its intolerance. 

Of his arrival in this country, mention is made in Winthrop's 
Journal under date, February 5, 1630, as follows: "The ship 
Lyon, Mr. William Pierce, Master, arrived at Nantucket. She 
brought Mr. Williams (a godly minister) with his wife, Mr. Throg- 
morton, Perkins, Ong, and others, with their wives and children, 
about twenty passengers, and about two hundred tons of goods. 
She set sail from Bristol December i. She had a very tempest- 
uous passage." 

In April Mr. Williams was chosen an assistant to Rev. Mr. 
Skelton in the ministry at Salem. He asserted with boldness his 
views of religious toleration, and was obliged to withdraw to 

*" Providence Plantations for 250 years"; "The Home Lots of the Early 
Settlers " ; " Biographies," by Elton and Knowles ; " Winthrop's Journal " ; 
" Massachusetts Historical Society Collections," ist Series. 

536 



ROG-ER WILLIAMS. 537 

Plymouth, where for two years he was an assistant to Rev. Ralph 
Smith, Here Governor Bradford was his parishioner, and spoke 
of his teaching as well approved, " for the benefit whereof I am 
thankful to him ever for his sharpest admonitions and reproofs, so 
far as they agree with truth," 

He returned to Salem in 1633, and succeeded Rev, Mr. Skelton 
in the pastorate. Late in 1635, the General Court ordered him 
into exile, for " his new and dangerous opinions against the 
authority of magistrates." Permission was given him to remain 
in Salem until spring, but he persisted in preaching in his own 
house; and orders were sent in January, 1636, to seize him and 
send him to England. Leaving his family he fled for a new 
retreat through wilderness and snow. 

Reviewing the transaction, in a letter to his friend General 
Mason, dated Providence, June 22, 1670, he says: "When I was 
unkindly and unchristianly, as I believe, driven from my house, 
and land, and wife, and children in the midst of a New England 
winter, now about thirty-five years past, at Salem ; that ever hon- 
ored Governor, Mr. Winthrop, privately wrote me to steer my 
course to the' Narragansett Bay and Indians, for many high and 
heavenly and public ends ; encouraging me, from the freeness of 
the place, from any English claims or patents. I took his prudent 
motion as a hint and voice from God. . . ." 

The friendly intercourse of Mr. Williams with the Indians, both 
at Plymouth and Salem, is revealed in a letter written many years 
afterwards, in which he says : " God was pleased to give me a 
painful, patient spirit, to lodge with them in their filthy, smoky 
holes, even while I lived at Plymouth and Salem, to gain their 
tongue." 

He made a fair purchase of lands in Rhode Island, transacting 
his business with the two Sachems, Canonicus and his nephew, 
Miantonomoh. To obtain presents and gratuities for the 
Sachems, he mortgaged his house and lands in Salem. His prin- 
ciple was that the Indians were the lawful owners of the land they 
occupied, and that no royal instrument or charter could give right 
to their territory. 

It is worthy of note that the lands at Providence were conveyed 
to Roger Williams alone, and, as he justly remarks, " were his, as 



538 A ME RICA N CHRIS TIA N R ULERS. 

much as any man's coat upon his back." He re-conveyed, as a 
free gift, lands to the persons who had united with him in forming 
the settlement, reserving for himself an equal part only. The 
instrument which bears witness to the purchase contains the 
following : 

" Be it known unto all men by these presents, that I, Roger 
Williams, of the town of Providence, in the Narragansett Bay, in 
New England, having, in the year one thousand six hundred 
thirty-four, and in the year one thousand six hundred thirty-five, 
had several treaties with Canonicus and Miantanomoh, the two 
chief sachems of the Narragansett, and in the end purchased of 
them the lands and meadows. . . . Having made covenant of 
peaceable neighborhood with all the sachems and natives round 
about us, and having of a sense of God's merciful Providence unto 
me in my distress, called the place Providence, I desired it might 
be for a shelter for persons distressed for conscience." He 
asserts : " It was not thousands or tens of thousands of money 
could have bought of him [Canonicus] an English entrance into 
this bay, but I was the procurer of the purchase by that language, 
acquaintance, and favor with the natives, and other advantages 
which it pleased God to give me." 

The founders of Providence required each applicant for citizen- 
ship to subscribe to the following covenant : " We whose names, 
are here under-written, being desirous to inhabit in the town of 
Providence, do promise to submit ourselves, in active or passive 
obedience, to all such orders or agreements as shall be made for 
the public good of the body, in an orderly way, by the major con- 
sent of the present inhabitants, masters of families, incorporated 
together in a town-fellowship, and others whom they shall admit 
unto the same, only in civil things." 

In 1643 Mr. Williams went to England as agent for the colo- 
nists, to procure an act confirming their voluntary government. 
A charter was granted bearing date the 17th day of March, 1644, 
under the name of "The Incorporation of Providence Plantations 
in the Narragansett Bay in New England." In 165 1 he again 
visited England on public business, and returned to Providence 



ROGER WILLIAMS. 539 

in 1654. On the 12th of September of that year, he was chosen 
President of the Colony, and held the ofBce until May, 1658. 

Concerning the Christian's effort with his own heart, Mr. 
Williams writes : "Without spiritual and diligent examination of 
our hearts, it is impossible that we can attain true joy and com- 
fort either in point of regeneration or worship." 

Of the Gospel's success: " It cannot be hid, how all England 
and other nations ring with the glorious conversion of the Indians 
of New England." 
•Among the publications of Roger Williams are : 

" The Bloody Tenet of Persecution for Cause of Conscience, 
discussed in a Conference between Truth and Peace," London, 
1644. 

" Experiments of Spiritual Life and Health, and their Preserv- 
atives," London, 1652. "This was written," says Mr. Williams,, 
" in the thickest of the naked Indians of America, in their very 
wild houses, and by their barbarous fires." In the Dedication to 
Lady Vane (he was a guest of the Vanes when in England), he 
says : " Your favorable and christian respects to me ; your godly 
and christian letters to me, so many thousand miles distant in 
America ; and your many gracious demonstrations of an humble 
and christian spirit breathing in you, are a three-fold cord which 
have drawn these lines into your presence." Mr. Elton says, that 
after diligent inquiry, he is not aware that more than one copy of 
this work now exists. 

Mr. Williams' oldest son. Providence, was born in 1638, " the 
first white male child born in the settlement." His son Daniel 
had a son named Roger, to whom he bequeathed his homestead, 
" provided he disturbed not his mother, Rebekah Williams, of her 
reasonable privilege and benefit in said dwelling house and prem- 
ises during her natural life." 

" It is believed that no portrait of Mr. Williams is in exist- 
ence." 



WILLIAM WILLIAMS. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1 7 76,* 

William Williams, grandfather of William, was a native of 
Newton, Mass., graduated at Harvard College 1683, and for fifty- 
five years was pastor of the church in Hatfield, Mass. He was 
twice married, his second wife being the daughter of Rev, Sol- 
omon Stoddard, of Northampton. 

Solomon, son of the preceding by his second wife, graduated 
at Harvard College in 17 19, and for fifty-three years was pastor of 
the church in Lebanon, Conn. He was married to Mary Porter, 
of Hadley, by whom he had ten children. 

William Williams, son of Solomon, was born at Lebanon, 
Conn., April 8, 1731 ; died there, August 2, 181 1. 

He graduated at Harvard College in 1751, and read theology 
under the direction of his father. He never entered the ministry, 
but took up mercantile pursuits. 

He was Justice of the Peace ; was connected with one branch 
or other of the State Legislature for nearly fifty years ; was Dele- 
gate to the Continental Congress in 1776, and signed the Declara- 
tion of Independence; served again in Congress in 1783 and 1784. 

" Dedicated to God in infancy, trained up in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord, in 1757 he made a public profession of 
religion, and joined in full communion with the church. For 
moi»e than forty years he sustained the office of a Deacon of the 
church, and has often been heard to say that he has received 
more comfort and consolation from religion in one hour, than 
from all other sources." 

His wife was the daughter of Governor Trumbull. 

* Sprague's " Annals of American Pulpit," v. i ; " Lives of the Signers," by 
Goodrich ; " Discourse," by Rev. Zebulun Ely. 

540 



THOMAS SCOTT WILLIAMS. 

CHIEF-JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CONNECTICUT, 

1834-1847.* 

Thomas Scott Williams was born in Wethersfield, Conn., Jan- 
uary 26, 1777 ; died at Hartford, December 15, 1861. 

"His parents were devotedly pious, and his ancestors, in long 
succession, were distinguished as among the friends and followers 
of Christ. He was the youngest but one of eleven children, all of 
whom were hopefully Christians and members of the church." 

He graduated at Yale College in 1794, at the age of seventeen. 
Studying law, first at Litchfield, under Judge Reeve, then at Win d- 
Iiam, under Chief-Justice Swift, he commenced practice in 1798 in 
Mansfield, and in 1803 established himself at Hartford. 

He served for several sessions as Representative in the State 
Legislature; was Representative in Congress from 1817 to 1819; 
was appointed Chief-Justice in 1834, and was Mayor of Hartford 
from 183 1 to 1835. ^^ resigned his position as Chief-Justice in 
1847, his term having expired by constitutional limitation. 

Rev. Dr. Hawes thus notices the religious character and labors 
of Mr. Williams. 

" He came forward into life with a fair, moral character, . . . 
He admitted the truths of the gospel in his understanding ; but to 
their renewing power he was in his own view a stranger. In the 
winter and spring of 1834, it pleased God to shed down the gra- 
cious influences of his spirit, and a general attention was awakened 
to the concerns of the soul. Among the number who were 
moved to take up religion as a direct personal concern, were 
Judge Williams and his first wife, a woman of estimable character, 

" Discourse," by Rev. J. Ilawcs ; Lanman ; Boston Kccorder. 
541 



542 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

but not then, as she believed, a Christian. The result was, that 
after long, earnest and anxious inquiry, they both came to a 
calm and settled hope in Christ, and accepted him by faith as 
their Saviour. In the course of the summer, they, with about 
sixty others, united with the church b}' a public profession of 
religion. . . . 

" Mr. Williams entered the Sabbath School as a teacher, and 
instructed large numbers of young men in the elements of God's 
truth and salvation. In 1836 he was elected a Deacon in the 
church. His natural modesty and self-distrust made him hesitate 
long before he accepted the appointment. 

" He loved the house of God and its worship, and was always 
in his place, morning and afternoon. During all his professional 
life, before he became a member of the church, it was his cus- 
tom, as I am told, to lay aside all professional and secular 
books, with newspapers and the like, as not suited to Sabbath day 
reading, and to take up some religious work, such, for example, as 
the Christian Observer, to occupy his time in the interim of public 
worship. After he professed religion, the Sabbath in his view 
assumed a still more sacred character. 

" He rarely spoke disparagingly of any one, and never with a 
fault-finding, ill temper. He was much stricter and more unspar- 
ing in judging of himself than of others. 

"To all the benevolent operations of the day, he was a large 
and constant contributor. Blest with an abundance of this world's 
goods, he felt himself to be a steward of God, bound to use all in 
obedience to his will, and for the glory of his name. 

" He lived by rule ; every hour had its duty, and every duty its 
hour, and it was, in no small part, this habit of punctuality and 
order which enabled him to accomplish so great an amount of 
work in his day, both as a lawyer and as a Christian man. 

" In a sermon at Saratoga, I was speaking of him as an example 
of the happy effects of a well-spent life. He is now, I said, in 
his eighty-fourth year, cheerful, healthy, active ; found at the head 
of his Bible class every Sabbath morning." 

Mr. Williams' name appears at the meeting of the American 
Board of Foreign Missions, held at Cincinnati, O., October, 1853. 
The reporter, speaking of the farewell meeting, says : 



THOMAS SCOTT WILLIAMS. 543 

" Hon. T. S. Williams responded briefly to these addresses. 
He regarded it as a noble spectacle to see so many expatriating 
themselves, not for gold, but to do good. The world may call 
you enthusiastic, and sneer at you, but I give my testimony to the 
wisdom of your choice. And we will remember you ! . . . God 
grant you prosperous voyages and great success among the 
heathen. In the name of the Board 1 bid you farewell, and I 
pledge you their sympathy and their prayers." 

Of Mr. Williams, Mrs. L. H. Sigourney wrote : 

" Of charities tiiat knew 
No stint or boundary, save the woes of man, 
He wished no mention made. But doubt ye not 
Their record is above." 

" 'Tis not for pen and ink, 
Or the weak measures of the muse, to give 
Fit transcript of his virtues." 



CHARLES KILBOURNE WILLIAMS. 

GOVERNOR OF VERMONT, 1850-1852.* 

John Williams, great-grandfather of Charles K., graduated at 
Harvard College in 1683, and was ordained to the Gospel min-' 
istry at Deeriield in 1688. The Indians came upon his home at 
Deerfield, murdered his wife and two children, and carried captive 
to Canada others of the family. Mr. Williams wrote a book 
giving an account of his captivity, which passed through several 
editions. 

Warham Williams, grandfather of Charles K., was carried 
captive with his father to Canada when but four years old; 
graduated at Harvard College 1719 ; studied theology under Rev. 
Solomon Stoddard, of Northampton, was ordained minister of 
Watertown, West Precinct (now Waltham), in 1723, 
■ Samuel Williams, father of the subject of this sketch, graduated 
at Harvard College in 1761 ; was ordained to the Gospel ministry 
at Bradford, 1765 ; served as Professor of Mathematics and 
Natural Philosophy at Harvard College from 1780 to 1786; after- 
wards removed to Vermont. In 1794, he published his " History 
of Vermont," in one volume, a second edition of which, in two 
volumes, was published in 1809. 

Charles. Kilbourne Williams was born at Cambridge, Mass., 
January 24, 1782 ; died at Rutland, Vt., March 9, 1853. 

He graduated at Williams College in 1800, studied law at Rut- 
land, Vt., in the office of Cephas Smith, Jr., and was admitted to 
the Bar in 1803. He was elected Judge of the Supreme Court of 
Vermonfin 1822 ; became Chief-Justice in 1833, holding the ofifice 
eleven years, and was Governor of the State from 1850 to 1852. 

* Sprague's " Annals " ; " Memorial Biographies," New England Historical 
Society, vol. 11. 

544 



CHARLES KILBOURNE WILLIAMS. 545 

" Mr. Williams was a member of the Episcopal Church in 
Rutland. In his family he always had daily morning and even- 
ing prayers, together with reading a chapter of the Bible — the Old 
Testament in the morning, and the New Testament in the even- 
ing. No secular paper was read on Sunday, which with him 
connnenced at the going down of the sun on Saturday. Fast 
days with him were strictly days of abstinence, fasting and 
prayer." 

A full length portrait of Mr. Williams is in the Executive 
Chamber of the State Capitol, at Montpelier. 

He was married April 24, 181 7, at Castleton, Vt., to Lucy 
Green, daughter of Hon. Chauncy Langdon. They had nine 
children. 

35 



SAMUEL WILLISTON. 

SENATOR IN MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE, 1842-1843.* 

Rev. Noah Williston, grandfather of Samuel, resided at West 
Haven, Conn. He had four children, two sons, both of whom 
were ministers, and two daughters, both of whom became the 
wives of ministers. He lived to the age of seventy-seven. 

Rev. Payson Williston, father of Samuel, graduated at Yale 
College, was installed the first minister of Easthampton, Mass., in 
1789, resigned in 1833, and lived to the age of ninety-three. 
" His salary never amounted to $300. He had, however, a settle- 
ment of ^70, with which he bought a small farm of thirty-three 
acres. Here he worked in haying time, and a few hours a day at 
other seasons. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Rev. Nathan 
Birdseye, of Stratford, Conn., who lived to the age of one hun- 
dred and three. She was industrious and economical, a very 
Martha for household care, though not without Mary's part also 
in the one thing needful. A family of six children were born in 
that parsonage, and all but one, who died in childhood, were 
brought up and educated on that salary, with the help which they 
were taught to render to themselves and their parents." 

Samuel Williston, third child of Payson and Sarah Williston, 
was born in Easthanif^ton, June 17, 1795; died there, July 18, 
1874. 

His early years were spent in attendance at the district school, 
and in the occupations of the farm. The summer that he was fif- 
teen, he worked at Westhampton at seven dollars a month. 

He studied Latin, first with his father, then with Rev. Mr. 
Gould, of Southampton, and attended for a time at Phillips Acad- 

* " Discourse," by W. S. Tyler. 
546 



SAMUEL WILLISTON. 547 

emy at Andover. In making the journey to Andover, his father 
carried him one day's ride to Brookfield, where, according to the 
ministerial usages of the limes, they lodged at the house of the 
pastor ; and the remainder of the way he traveled partly on foot 
and partly by stage, with his effects tied up in a bundle. After 
leaving Andover he served as clerk, first in West Springfield, then 
m New York City, and in the spring of 1817 returned to his 
father's farm, where for four years he divided his time between 
agriculture and school teaching. 

In the spring of 1822 he was married to Emily, daughter of 
Elnathan Graves, a farmer in Williamsburg, to whom he had been 
engaged three years. He brought his wife home to the house of 
his father, and the two families lived in harmony under the same 
roof for twenty-one years. 

The mother of Mrs. Williston had been in the habit of makmg 
covered buttons for her own family, and a small surplus, which she 
sold. She herself took up the business on a somewhat larger 
scale. The first package which she made, she took to David Whit- 
ney, of Northampton, treasurer of the Hampshire County Mis- 
sionary Society, as a contribution to the cause of missions ; and 
President Humphrey, happening in about that time, became the 
purchaser. The second package was sent to Arthur Tappan, of 
New York, who immediately contracted for twenty-five gross at 
two dollars a gross. 

Mr. Williston perceived the value of the enterprise, established 
agencies in the principal cities, and in time employed more than a 
thousand families in the business of making buttons. Subse- 
quently, with other parties, he commenced the manufacture of 
buttons by machinery. Success attended him, and his prosperity 
continued for a long course of years. After he had passed the 
age of seventy, he entered upon an adventure which caused him 
the direct loss of half a million of money. Writing to a friend, he 
said : " My experience leads me to think that a man of seventy 
years should draw his business into a smaller compass rather than 
enlarge it." 

He established in 1841 Williston Seminary, and founded in 
1845 the Williston Professorship of Rhetoric and Oratory in 
Amherst College. It was estimated that the aggregate of his 



548 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

charities in his lifetime exceeded a million dollars, and his will 
provided for the distribution of half a million more. 

The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Williston all died in early 
childhood, and they adopted children of missionaries. A friend 
once congratulated him on his pecuniary success, and his reply 
was : *' I would gladly give up every dollar, and begin life a 
poor man if I could only have back my children that I have 
lost." 

Mr. Williston was a member of the Lower House of the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature in 1841, and a member of the Senate in 1842 
and 1843. 

He received careful Christian training, and was an early stu- 
dent of the Bible. He was taught the Assembly's Catechism, and 
not only repeated it to his parents at home, but according to the 
usage of the times, recited it in school every Saturday forenoon. 
He not only prayed in secret, but led the family devotions at his 
boarding place in Andover, before he cherished any hope of his 
personal interest in the salvation by Christ. In the year 1816 he 
passed through a mental struggle, involving conviction of sin. It 
was several months before he became clear in his belief that he 
was a Christian. He could point to no particular time as the 
beginning of his religious life. Light and peace gradually 
dawned upon his soul. Going to New York he became a member 
of Rev. Dr. Spring's church, and when he left the city, transferred 
his relation to the church under his father's care in Easthampton. 
He never traveled or visited, wrote letters or transacted any busi- 
ness on the Lord's Day. He once engaged passage to Europe, 
and expected to sail about the middle of the week. A violent 
storm caused delay. Sabbath morning came and the weather was 
fair. The captain and passengers desired to start. Mr. Williston 
refused to embark on the Lord's Day, although, according to 
usage, he was to forfeit his passage money. The captain, how- 
ever, yielded to his convictions and convenience. They sailed 
Monday morning, and reached Liverpool in advance of all the 
vessels that sailed from New York on the previous Sunday. On 
the same principle, he chose to be left at a comfortless way sta- 
tion midway over the Alps, at midnight, on Saturday, rather than 
to continue his journey on the Sabbath. Besides his regular 



SAMUEL WILLISTON. $49 

hours of prayer, morning and evening, he had his special seasons 
of prayer and self-examination every week. 

Owing to a weakness of the eyes, he was unable, during all his 
business and public life, to read his own correspondence, a news- 
paper, or even a chapter of the Bible. Till he had passed the 
prime of life, he used to rise at five, and breakfast at six. 



HENRY WILSON. 

VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1873-1877.* 

WiNTHROP CoLBATH, father of Henry Wilson, a native of Farm- 
ington, N. H., " was a day laborer, engaged for many years in 
running a saw mill." 

Henry Wilson was born in Farmington, N. H., February i6, 
1812; died in Washington, D. C, November 22, 1875. 

The following is an incident of his boyhood : Mrs. Eastman, 
sister of Hon. Levi Woodbury, seeing Henry pass her house one 
day, called him to her, gave him some clothes of which he was in 
need, and inquired if he knew how to read. "Yes, pretty well," 
he answered. " Come then, and see me at my house to-morrow," 
she replied. Early the next morning he presented himself, when 
she said to him, "I had intended to give a Testament to some 
good boy. You tell me you can read ; now take this book and 
let me hear you." He read a chapter in the Testament. " Now 
carry the book home with you," said she, "read it entirely 
through, and you shall have it." After seven days he called 
again at Mrs. Eastman's house, and said to her that he had read 
the book from beginning to end. " It cannot be ! " said Mrs. 
Eastman with surprise. " But let me try you." So, calling him 
to her side, she carefully examined him till she was fully satisfied 
that he had read the Testament entirely through, and fairly won 
the prize he coveted. Mr. Wilson publicly declared that the read- 
ing of this Testament, together with the subsequent examination, 
was the starting-point in his intellectual life. 

In the summer of 1822 he was bound by indenture to a Mr. 
Knight, a farmer of the neighborhood, to serve him until the age 

*Nason's "Life of Henry Wilson"; Lanman's " Biograohical Annals"; 
Ziott's Herald ; New York Independent. 

550 




^/S 



9^i 



^^ Cr^a^ 



HENRY IVILSOiV. 55 I 

of twenty-one. By the terms of the indenture, he was to have 
one month's schooling in the winter, food and raiment, with six 
sheep and a yoke of oxen at the expiration of his time of service. 
He began in his new home the seventh day of August, when a 
Uttle more than ten years old. As he increased in age, he 
handled the scythe in summer and cut timber in the forest in 
winter. In the mean time he occupied his leisure in cultivating 
his mind. Judge Whitehouse, of Farmington, lent him books, and 
directed him in his course of reading. 

Having arrived at the age of twenty-one, by an act of the Legis- 
lature he had his name changed from Jeremiah Jones Colbath to 
Henry Wilson. This was done by the advice of the family he 
had lived with, and with the approval of his parents. 

In December, 1833, he packed up his slender wardrobe, and 
set out on foot for the town of Natick. He had but little money 
and he resolved to make the journey with as little expense as pos- 
sible. On the first day he traveled as far as Durham, where he 
obtained lodging with a farnier ; the next night he reached Salis- 
bury, on the Merrimac River, and the following morning visited 
Newburyport, where, to ease his blistered feet, he purchased for 
twenty-five cents a pair of slippers, in which he more comfortably 
pursued his way. Arriving at night at Saugus, he found enter- 
tainment in a private family. Rising early and paying twenty-five 
cents for his lodging he recommenced his journey. 

At Natick he hired himself to Mr. William P. Legro, who 
agreed, for the consideration of five months labor, to teach him 
the art of making shoes. With his knife and hammer he set to 
work with several laborers in a little shop in the western part of 
the town to learn his trade ; but, ere many days had passed, 
perceived that he had bargained away his time incautiously, and 
therefore he agreed with his employer, for the consideration of the 
sum of fifteen dollars, to release him from his obligation. At the 
end of seven weeks, he began working for himself. The first day 
after leaving Mr. Legro, he made eight pairs of shoes. 

In 1835 the Natick Debating Society was formed and Mr. Wil- 
son became a member. There was an old town library of about 
two hundred volumes, then in the keeping of Deacon William Cool- 
idge. He and his wife were people of kind and generous na- 



552 AMERICAN CIIR/ST/AN R ULERS. 

ture. Mr, Wilson prevailed on them to receive him as a boarder 
in their family. Here he found wise religious counsel and a happy 
home. With them he attended church and social meetings ; by 
them he was treated as a son. 

The toils of the day in the workshop and study at night had 
impaired his health, and rest and recreation became needful. In 
May, 1836, he took a journey to Washington, which proved the 
medicine which he required. It was during this visit to Washing- 
ton that the evil of slavery took his notice, and from that day he 
planted himself against the institution. 

On returning home, having then about $700, he went to 
Stafford, N. H., and commenced study at the Academy of 
that place. In the spring of 1837 he commenced study at the 
Academy in Concord, under charge of Rev, T. P. B. Stone. While 
at Concord a gentleman in Farmington, to whom he had loaned 
his money, failed, and he was again penniless. At this crisis he 
found a friend in Mr. Avery, of Wolfsborough, who offered to 
board him on credit as long as he might wish to attend the Acad- 
emy in that town. Here he spent the autumn of 1837. Return- 
ing to Natick, he taught school the ensuing winter. On finishing 
his school and paying off his debts, he had twelve dollars. He 
began the manufacture of shoes for the Southern market, and con- 
tinued the business, except when public duties drew him away, 
for ten consecutive years. 

In the Presidential campaign of 1840, when Mr. Harrison was 
the candidate of the Whig party, Mr. Wilson entered the field and 
made more than sixty speeches in the neighboring towns and 
cities. The general exclamation was, " How came this Natick 
shoemaker to know so much more than we do on National ques- 
tions ? " He spoke extemporaneously, but never without careful 
preparation. He would sometimes retire to Deacon Coolidge's 
old oak grove and there rehearse them to himself alone. 

In 1840 Mr. Wilson was elected to the Legislature of Massa- 
chusetts, in which he served four years. He was then elected to 
the State Senate, serving here four years. In 1848 he became 
the proprietor and editor of the ^osiow Republican ; in 1852 he 
was the Free Soil Candidate for Congress, but was defeated. In 
1855 he was elected a Senator in Congress, and re-elected in 



HENRY WILSON. 553 

1859. From 1842 to 185 1 he was actively connected with the 
MiHtia of Massachusetts as Major, Colonel and Brigadier Gen- 
eral. In 1861 he raised the Twenty-second Regiment of Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers, of which he became Colonel, and after join- 
ing the army of the Potomac, was made a member of General Mc- 
Clellan's Stafif, on which he served until the meeting of Congress. 
In 1856 he was challenged by Preston Brooks, of South Carolina, 
for pronouncing his assault on Senator Sumner, " murderous, bru- 
tal, and cowardly ; " but he replied that while believing in the 
right of self-defence, he declined the challenge, as duelling, in his 
opinion was a violation of law, and the relic of a barbarous age. 
He was again re-elected to the Senate for the term commencing in 
1865 and ending in 1871. In 1872 he was elected Vice-President 
of the United States on the ticket with U. S. Grant. 

Mr. Wilson's position on the Slavery question is unfolded in 
the following speech. 

" The Senator from Indiana (Mr. Pettits) has made a long 
argument to-night to prove the inferiority of the African race. 
... I know men of that race who are quite equal in mental 
power to either the Senator or myself, — men who are scarcely 
inferior, in that respect, to any Senator upon this floor. But, sir, 
suppose the Senator from Indiana succeeds in establishing the 
inferiority of that despised race : is mental inferiority a valid 
reason for the perpetual oppression of a race ? Is the mental, 
moral, or physical inferiority of a man a just cause of oppression 
in republican and Christian America ? Sir, is this democracy } 
Is it Christianity ? Democracy cares for the poor, the lowly, the 
humble. Democracy demands that the "panoply of just and equal 
laws shall shield and protect the weakest of the sons of men. 
Sir, these are strange doctrines to hear uttered in the Senate 
of republican America, whose political institutions are based 
upon the fundamental idea 'that all men are created equal.' If 
the African race is inferior, this proud race of ours should educate 
and elevate it, and not deny to those who belong to it the rights 
of our common humanity." 

" Although upright and honorable in his dealings with his fel- 



554 ^ M ERICA N CHRIS TIA N R ULERS. 

low men, consistent in his walk and conversation, a regular 
attendant on the services of the sanctuary, and a supporter of the 
institutions of religion, Mr. Wilson did not, until the autumn of 
1866, avow himself a follower of the Saviour. But, in a large 
assembly held in the Congregational Church in Natick on the 
28th of October, he declared in a very touching address, that 
within a few past weeks he had come to a knowledge of his own 
personal salvation through the merits of the Redeemer." 

Addressing a Christian Convention at Quincy, Mr. Wilson 
said : 

" Christians should act from principle and deep conviction. 
They should forsake all that tempts others away from duty, 
should abandon all that will lead others astray. If a glass of 
wine leads the young to stumble. Christians should throw it away. 
If going to theatres leads others to wrong, Christians should keep 
away from theatres. If a Christian feels that his staying away 
from prayer meeting causes others to stay away, then he should 
go, even if he only expected to meet his God there." Alluding in 
this address, to the death of his son, an only child, Lieut.-Col. 
Henry Hamilton Wilson, which occurred at Austin, Texas, a short 
time previous, he said with much feeling, that he would give his 
life to-day if he had been able to say to his dear boy what he was 
now able to say to young men; and he begged of them, as they 
loved their parents, to love their Saviour also. 

He made the following remarks at a Methodist camp-meeting: 

" I feel unworthy to appear before you to speak in behalf of 
my Divine Master. I am thankful that I can say that I was able 
to confess the sins of a long and sinful life, and to receive for- 
giveness for the same. I am thankful that Christ Jesus died for 
sinners ; rather should we say individually that he died for me, 
. . . The service of our Master includes our all, our property, 
our reputation, and our influence. ... I once thought that a 
long course of preparation was necessary, before we could give 
ourselves to the service of God, but I have found out it is not so. 
We can do it at once, and we ought to do it now. God calls us 
now ; let us give him our hearts now." 

The appropriation for the Military Academy at West Point was 



HENRY WILSON. 555 

so amended, through the intervention of Senator Wilson, as to 
prohibit drills and parades on Sunday, and to make it the duty of 
the Chaplain to organize a class for biblical instruction, and give 
his whole attention to the religious welfare of the cadets. 

" History of the Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in America," 
by Henry Wilson, 3 vols., was published 1872-1877. 



EDWARD WINSLOW. 

GOVERNOR OF PLYMOUTH COLONY, 1633, 1636, 1644.* 

Edward Winslow, oldest child of Edward and Magdalen, was 
born at Droitwich, Worcestershire, England, October 19, 1595; 
died at sea, near Hispaniola, May 8, 1655. 

Records of St. Peter's Church, Droitwich, convey the following: 
" 1595, October 20, baptized Edward, son of Edward Winslow, 
born the previous Friday." 

During a season of travel in 1617, he made his way to Holland, 
whither the Pilgrims had gone. Here at Leyden, he concluded to 
abide for a time, and connected himself with Rev. Mr. Robinson's 
church. 

In 1620 he embarked with the Pilgrims in the Alayflower, and 
on his arrival at Cape Cod, December 11, signed the memorable 
compact, .his name standing third on the list. 

He went to England as agent of the Colony, in the years 1623 
and 1624 ; was chosen Governor of Plymouth Colony in 1633 ; 
re-elected in 1636 and 1644. 

In the year 1637 he obtained a grant of a valuable tract of 
land at Green's Harbor, now Marshfield, where he established his 
home. This estate continued in the family until sold to Daniel 
Webster. The first cattle brought to Plymouth, a bull and three 
heifers, were shipped by him in 1624. 

The conversion of the Indians to the Christian religion, was a 
work which engaged the energies and sympathies of Mr. Winslow. 
While in England he employed his influence with the members of 

* " New England Historical and Genealogical Register," v. 4; Moore's 
"Governors of New Plymouth " ; Hazard's " Historical Collections "; Young's 
" Chronicles of the Pilgrims." 





yo 




cm 



EDWARD WINSLOIV. 557 

Parliament, to establish a corporation for furthering this design, 
and succeeded in the same, as the following will witness : 

" On July 19, 1649, it was enacted by authority of Parliament : 
that there be a corporation in England, consisting of sixteen per- 
sons, viz., a President, Treasurer, and fourteen Assistants, . . . 
and be called by'the name of the President and Society for the 
propagation of the Gospel in New England. . . . That a general 
collection be made in and through all the counties, cities, towns 
and parishes of England and Wales, for a contribution as founda- 
tion for so pious and great an undertaking. . . ." 

A paper of interest from Mr. Winslow's pen has been copied 
from a volume in the British Museum. In this paper he tells the 
story of the departure from Leyden. ". . . We further sought the 
Lord by a public and solemn Fast, for his gracious guidance. 
And hereupon, we came to this resolution : that it was best for 
one part of the church to go at first, and the other to stay, viz., 
the youngest and strongest part to go. Secondly, they that went 
should freely offer themselves. Thirdly, if the major part went, 
the pastor to go with them ; if not, the elder only. Fourthly, if 
the Lord should frown upon our proceedings, then those that went 
to return, and the brethren that remained still there, to assist and 
be helpful to them ; but if God should be pleased to favor them 
that went, then they also should endeavor to help over such as 
were poor, and ancient, and willing to come. . . . And when the 
ship was ready to carry us away, the brethren that stayed, having 
again solemnly sought the Lord with us and for us . . . feasted 
us that were to go, at our pastor's house, where we refreshed our- 
selves, after tears, with singing of psalms . . . there being many 
of the congregation very expert in music. It was the sweetest 
melody that ever mine ears heard. After this, they accompanied 
us to Delph's Haven, where we were to einbark. . . . We gave 
them a volley of small shot and three pieces of ordnance ; and so 
lifting up our hands to each other, and our hearts for each other 
to the Lord our God, we departed, and found his presence with 
us in the midst of the manifold straits he carried us through." 

The character of Mr. Winslow has been thus described. 
"Possessing a sound and well disciplined mind, a pious heart, 



558 A M ERICA N CHRIS TIA X R UL ERS. 

and a happy address, he was emhiently useful in mitigating the 
sufferings and promoting the welfare of the Pilgrims, who either 
on account of the respectability of his family, or the excellent 
qualities of his mind and heart, appear to have regarded him with 
more than ordinary respect, and with a confidence which was cer- 
tainly never misplaced." 

Mr, Winslow had four brothers, all of whom came to New 
England. 

He was united in marriage, first, to Elizabeth, surname un- 
known, at Leyden, who died March 24, 1621, about three weeks 
after their arrival \n New England. Second, on the 12th of May, 
162 1, about six weeks after the death of his first wife, to Susanna, 
widow of William White, who died two and a half months before, 
and mother of Peregrine, the first English child born in New Eng- 
land. "The condition of the Colony, and the situation of the par- 
ties, are offered as an excuse for a marriage so early after the 
death of their first partners." Mr. Winslow was the father of 
several children. Josiah, by the second wife, is the subject of the 
following: sketch. 



JOSIAH WINSLOW. 

GOVERNOR OF PLYMOUTH COLONY, 1673-1680.* 

JosiAH WiNSLOw, son of Governor Edward Winslow, was born 
at Marshfield, Mass., 1629; died there 1680. 

For thirteen years he served as one of the Commissioners of 
the United Colonies, beginning 1658. He was elected Governor 
of Plymouth Colony in 1673, and held the office until his death in 
1680. 

Early in his administration as Governor, he made opposition to 
the prevailing persecution of the Quakers. P'or sympathy and 
assistance towards this sect, Isaac Robinson, son of Rev. John 
Robinson, and General Cudworth, had been disfranchised. Both 
of these gentlemen Mr. Winslow caused to be restored to their 
former positions. 

The. Governor's talent and energy were brought into service at 
the time of King Philip's war, as the following paper explains : 

"At a meeting of the United Colonies in Boston by adjournment, November 
2, 1675, *^^ Commissioners unanimously agree to nominate and improve the 
Hon. Josiah Winslow, Governor of Plymouth Colony, Commander-in-chief 
over the united forces now to be raised. ... It is agreed that the soldiers that 
come from Connecticut shall make their rendezvous at Norwich, Stonington, 
and New London ; and those that come from Massachusetts, at Kehoboth, 
Providence and Warwick; where they are to be in readiness to observe the 
orders of their Commander-in-chief. . . . The Commissioners agree to com- 
mend to the several General Courts of the United Colonics, that they appoint 
the second day of December, being the fifth day of the week, to be observed 
and kept as a solemn day of prayer and humiliation. . . . The Commissioners 
further commend tf the several General Courts of the Colonies, that care be 

♦"New England Historical Register," v. 4 ; Moore's "Governors of New 
Plymouth "; Thacher's " History of Plymouth "; Hazard's "Historical Col- 
lections " ; Dean's " History of Scituate." 

5S9 



560 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

taken, that the soldiers sent on this expedition be men of strength, courage and 
activity, their arms well fixed and fit for service, that their clothing be in all 
respects strong and warm, suitable for the season ; that they have provisions in 
their knapsacks for a week's march from their rendezvous, and supply in a 
Magazine, appointed for a more general service. Also that there be a meet 
number of able Ministers and Surgeons, provided and appointed for the expe- 
dition. 

" Thomas Danforth, President." 



Writing to Governor Leverett July 4, 1675, Mr. Winslow 
says : '* My person, I hear, has been much threatened. I have 
about twenty men at my house, have sent away my wife and chil- 
dren to Salem, that I may be less encumbered ; have flanked 
my house, and resolve to maintain it, as long as a man will stand 
by me." 

These were the days, when according to the Old Colony 
Records, it was " Ordered by the Court, that during the time of 
public danger, every one that comes to the meeting on the Lord's 
day bring his arms with him, and furnished with at least five 
charges of powder and shot, until further orders shall be given, 
under penalty of 2S. for every such default." 

And these are the days when their cause is made solid, by this 
instruction, given by the Commissioners to the General-in-chief, 
Mr. Winslow. " You are to see that the worship of God be kept 
up, and duly attended in the army, by daily prayer and invocation 
of His name, and preaching of His Word, as yow have oppor- 
tunity, and the Sabbath be not profaned, but that as much as in 
you lies, and the emergency of your service will admit, you take 
care it be duly sanctified, and your ministers respect it." 

Mr. Winslow was the first Governor born in New England. 
His salary was fifty pounds per annum. He lived on the home- 
stead, afterwards the Webster estate, at Marshfield, and "his hos- 
pitality was not only generous, but according to the notions of the 
age, magnificent." 

Rev. William Witherell, of Scituate, wrote as follows, of the 
" thrice three times Honored Josiah Winslow : " 

" Sound in the faith .... he was a walking Christian, .... 
whose life and conversation adorned Christ's Gospel. Some men 
talk like angels — yet like devils walk." 



JOSIAII IVIXSI.OIV. 561 

He was united in marriage 1657, to Penelope, daughter of 
Herbert Pelham, by whom he had four children. His son Isaac 
was a member of his Majesty's Council more than twenty years, 
and his home was the family estate at Marshfield. 
36 



JOHN WINTHROP. 

GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS COLONY, 1637.* 

*' Adam Winthrop, son of a worthy gentleman of the same 
name, was himself a worthy, discreet and learned gentleman, par- 
ticularly eminent for skill in the law, nor without remark for love 
to the Gospel under the reign of King Henry VIII." 

This Adam Winthrop had a son of the same name also, and 
this third Adam Winthrop was the father of John Winthrop of 
the present sketch, born at Groton, Suffolk County, England, 
January 12, 1587. 

His early advantages were good, and he was bred to the 
law. 

Converting his estate, yielding an annual income of six hun- 
dred or seven hundred pounds into money, he sailed from Yar- 
mouth, April 7, 1630, and arrived at Salem, June 12. 

The government was immediately transferred to him by 
Endicott, who for two years had been acting Governor by author- 
ity of the London Company. He was re-elected every year until 
1634. In the election of 1637 ^^ ^'^'^^ again chosen Governor, 
was re-elected every year until 1640, was Governor again in 1642 
and 1643, and from 1646 until his death, March 26, 1649. 

Mr. Winthrop speaks of his youth as wild and dissolute. 
In his Journal he records : 

^^ May 23, 1613 I do resolve first to give myself, my 

life, my wit, my health, my wealth, to the service of my God and 

* Mather's "Magnalia"; Appleton; " History of the Narragansett Church"; 
Winthrop's "Life and Letters of John Winthrop." 

562 



JOHN IVINTHROP. 563 

Saviour, who by giving himself for me, and to me, deserves what- 
soever I am or can be, to be at his commandment, and for his 
glory. 

"I will live where he appoints me. 

" I will faithfully endeavor to discharge that calling which he 
shall appoint me unto. 

" I will carefully avoid vain and needless expenses, that I may 
be the more liberal to good uses. 

" I will so dispose of my family affairs, as my morning 
prayers and evening exercises be not omitted. 

" I will have a special care of the good education of my 
children. 

" I will banish profaneness from my family. 

"I will diligently observe the Lord's Sabbath. . . . 

" I will endeavor to have the morning free for private prayer, 
meditation and reading." 

On leaving the old country he with others signed a paper to 
the Church of England, which bore the following passage : 

*' We desire you would be pleased to take notice of the princi- 
pals and body of our Company, as those who esteem it our 
honor to call the Church of England, from whence we rise, our 
dear Mother, . . . ever Acknowledging that such hope and part 
as we have obtained in the common salvation, we have received 
in her bosom and sucked it from her breasts. We leave it not 
therefore as loathing that milk wherewith we were ijourished 
there ; but, blessing God for the parentage and education, as 
members of the same body, shall always rejoice in her good. . . . 
Be pleased, therefore, reverend fathers and brethren, to help for- 
ward this work now in hand. ... It is a usual and laudable 
exercise of your charity, to commend to the prayers of your con- 
gregations, the necessities and straits of your private neighbors ; 
do the like for a church springing out of your own bowels." 

Mr. Winlhrop writes to his wife from aboard the Aniltella, 
March 28, 1630, as follows : 

" And now, my sweet soul, I must once again take my last fare- 
well of thee in Old England. It goeth very near to my heart to 



564 AMERICAN CHRISriAX KULEKS. 

leave thee; but I know to whom I have committed thee, even to 
Him who loves thee much better than any husband can ; who 
hath taken account of the hairs of thy head, and puts all thy tears 
Li his bottle ; who can, and (if it be for his glory) will, bring us 
together again with peace and comfort. Oh, how it refresheth 
my heart to think, that I shall yet again see thy sweet face in the 
land of the living ! — that lovely countenance that I have so much 
delighted in, and behold with so great content. . , . Mondays 
and Fridays at five of the .clock at night, we shall meet in spirit 
till we meet in person. Yet if all these hopes should fail, blessed 
be our God, that we are assured we shall meet one day, if not as 
husband and wife, yet in a better condition. 

" Let that stay and comfort thine heart. . . . Therefore I will 
only take thee now and my sweet children in mine arms, and kiss 
and embrace you all, and so leave you with God." 

The following referring to magistrates and government, is from 
the pen of Mr. Winthrop : 

" When you choose magistrates, you take them from among 
yourselves, men subject to like passions with yourselves. If you 
see our infirmities, reflect on your own, and you will not be so 
severe on ours. The covenant between us and you is, that we 
shall govern you, and judge your causes according to the laws of 
God and our best skill. As for our skill, you must run the haz- 
ard of it ; and if there be an error, not in the will, but in the skill, 
it becomes you to bear it. Nor would I have you mistake in the 
point of your liberty. There is a liberty of corrupt nature, which 
is inconsistent with authority, impatient of restraint, the grand 
enemy of truth and peace, and all the ordinances of God are bent 
against it. But there is a civil, moral, federal liberty, which is 
the proper end and object of authority, a liberty for that only 
which is just and good. For this liberty you are to stand with 
your lives." 

Mr. Winthrop kept a journal of every important occurrence, 
from his first embarking for America in 1630, to the year 1644. 
A portion of this journal was published in 1790. Another por- 
tion deemed lost was found in 18 16, and the complete work in two 
volumes was published in Boston in 1825. 



JOHN wiNTiiRor. 565 

A fine portrait of the Governor is preserved in the Senate 
Chamber at Boston. His residence was on the lot at the corner 
of Milk Street, a part of which was afterward taken for the Old 
South Church. He was four times married and had thirteen 
children. His son John became Governor of Connecticut and is 
the subject of the following sketch. 



JOHN WINTHROP, JR. 

GOVERNOR OF RIVER CONNECTICUT, 1 635 ; OF CONNECTICUT 
COLONY, 1665-1676.* 

John Winthrop, eldest son of John, was born in Groton, Eng- 
land, February 12, 1606; died in Boston, April 5, 1676. ■ 

He was educated at the University of Cambridge, and at Trin- 
ity College, Dublin. He then spent a year in travel, visiting 
France, Holland, Italy, Germany and Turkey. 

In 1 63 1 he came to New England, and was chosen a Magis- 
trate of Massachusetts Colony, of which his father was Governor. 
In 1634 he went to England, and in 1635, returned with 
authority to settle a plantation at the mouth of Connecticut 
River. 

The Connecticut Government, in its early history, involved 
three distinct branches of administration : Connecticut Colony, 
starting under John Haynes ; Nev/ Haven Colony, starting under 
Theophilus Eaton ; and taking into account the one year's admin- 
istration of John Winthrop, Jr., at River Connecticut; the paper 
establishing his office reading as follows : 

" Know all men by these presents, that we . . . in our own names, .... 
do ordain and constitute John Winthrop, Esq., the younger, Governor of the 
River Connecticut, with the places adjoining thereunto, for and during the 
space of one whole year, after his arrival there, giving him from and under us, 
full power and authority, to do and execute any such lawful act and thing both 
in respect of the place and people, as also of the affairs we have or shall have 
there, as to the dignity or office of the Governor doth or may appertain. 

* Winthrop's " Life and Letters of John Winthrop " ; Hazard's " Historical 
Collections," v. i; Trumbull's '• History of Connecticut"; Barber's "Con- 
necticut Historical Collections " ; Appleton. 

566 




jU&^ -i<^^^/^7^ 



joiix WL\riiROj\jR. 567 

" In witness whereof, we have hereunto put our liands and seals, this iSth 
day of July, 1635. 

" Arthur Hasselrig. 
" Richard Saltonstall. 
" Henry Lawrence. 
" George Fenwick. 
" Henry Darley." 
[Five seals appendant impressed in one large piece of wax.] 

This English Company sent over men, ordnance, ammunition, 
and ^2000 sterling. They gave instructions to Mr. Winthrop to 
" provide able men to the number of fifty at least, for making of 
fortifications and building of houses, first for their own present 
accommodation, and then such houses as may receive men of 
quality. . . . He shall also give a true and just account of all 
moneys and goods committed to his managing. ... As this service 
will take him from his own employment, the Company do engage 
themselves to give him a just and due consideration for the 
same." 

Mr. Winthrop erected a fort, built houses, and made a settle- 
ment according to instructions. One David Gardiner, an expert 
engineer, planned the fortifications, and was appointed Lieutenant 
of the fort. 

The separate governments of Connecticut finally became one. 
In 1661 Mr. Winthrop was appointed ngent of the Colony, to 
go to England and present a petition to King Charles II. Mr. 
Winthrop had an extraordinary ring, which had been given his 
grandfather by King Charles I., which he presented to the King, 
The petition of Connecticut was received with favor. A charter 
was granted April 20, 1662, which included the colony of New 
Haven within the limits of Connecticut. The New Haven gov- 
ernment objected to union. After considerable trouble and 
difficulty the two colonies, at the general election. May 11, 1665, 
united in one ; John Winthrop was chosen Governor, and was 
re-elected eleven years successively. 

A letter from Mr, Winthrop to his father, dated London, August 
21, 1629, contains the following : 

" For the business of New England, I can say no other thing, 
but that I believe confidently, that the whole disposition thereof 



568 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

is of the Lord, who disposeth all alterations, by his blessed will, to 
his own glory'and the good of his ; and, therefore, do assure my- 
self, that all things shall work together for the best therein. And 
for myself, I have seen so much of the variety of the world, that I 
esteem no more of the diversities of countries, than as so many 
inns, whereof the traveler that hath lodged in the best, or in the 
worst, findeth no difference, when he cometh to his journey's end, 
and I shall call that my country, where I may most glorify God, 
and enjoy the presence of my dearest friends. Therefore, herein 
I submit myself to God's will and yours, and with your leave do 
dedicate myself (laying by all desire of other employments what- 
soever) to the service of God and the company herein, with the 
whole endeavors, both of body and mind. 

"The conclusions which you sent down, I showed my uncle 
and aunt, who liked them well. I think they are unanswerable ; 
and it cannot but be a prosperous action, which is so well allowed 
by the judgment of God's prophets, undertaken by so religious 
and wise worthies of Israel, and indented to God's glory in so 
special a service." 

Mr. Winthrop was skilled in chemistry and medicine, and in the 
dearth of medical practitioners in the colony his advice was widely 
sought. Thacher speaks of him as an eminent physician, aiTd 
Daniel Neal says that his closet was always furnished with the 
best medicines, which he charitably distributed to such of his poor 
neighbors as had need of them. 

Concerning John Winthrop, Jr., it was the beautiful testimony 
of his own father that " God gave him favor in the eyes of all with 
whom he had to do." 

His son, Fitz John, was Governor of Connecticut from 1698 till 
his death in 1707. 




'^^±0=^^^^ ^^ ^^ 



WILLIAM WIRT. 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, 1817-1829.* 

Jacob Wirt, father of William, was from Switzerland ; his 
mother, Henrietta, was a German. Jacob, with his brother 
Jasper, some years before the war of the Revolution, settled in 
Bladensburg, Md. Here he kept a tavern, and received rents 
accruing from a few village lots. He had six children, three sons 
and three daughters. 

William Wirt, youngest child of Jacob, was born in Bladensburg, 
Md., November 8, 1772; died in Baltimore, February 18, 1834. 

Left an orphan when eight years old, he passed into the family 
and guardianship of his uncle, Jasper Wirt, who, as well as his 
wife, was a Swiss by birih. Mr. Wirt always spoke of his aunt as 
having a cast of character worthy of the land of William Tell. 
She was tall, of large frame, and fair complexion ; was very relig- 
ious, and a great reader of pious books. She had an old folio 
German Bible, with brass clasps. A thunder-storm came up one 
evening, and the aunt got down her Bible, and began to read 
aloud. One flash struck a tree in the yard. One and another 
started from their chairs for the darkest corners, of the room. 
The aunt alone remained firm in her seat, and noticed the peal in 
no other way than Ijy the increased energy of her voice. 

Mr. Wirt in his autobiography, speaks of his school days : 
" The school-house was across the street, at the farther corner of 
the opposite square. The schoolmaster was Elisha Crown, an 
Knglishman, middle-sized, stoop shouldered, spare, and of dark 
complexion. He wore a suit of blue, black horn buttons, silver 

♦"Memoirs of William Wirt," by Kennedy, vols, i and 2; "Letters of a 
British Spy;" Augusta [Ga.] SiiitincL 

569 



5 70 A M ERIC A N CHRIS TIA N R ULERS. 

shoe buckles, an old fashioned cock and pinch hat. In 1779, I 
was sent to an academy in Georgetown kept by Mr. Rogers. I 
was placed at boarding with Mr. Schoolfield, a Quaker, who occu- 
pied a small house of hewn logs. He was a well-set, square-built, 
honest-faced, and honest-hearted Quaker — his wife one of the best 
of creation. From Georgetown I went to a classical school in 
Charles County, Maryland, kept by one Hatch Dent. I was 
boarded with a widow lady by the name of Love, . She had three 
maiden daughters, the eldest verging on forty, and the youngest, 
perhaps, twenty-eight. Nancy was a round, plump, jolly old 
maid, the weaver of the family, and used to take snuff. Sally 
presided over the dairy, was somewhere about thirty, with good 
humored countenance and with one of the kindest hearts that 
beat in the bosom of her kind sex. She was fond of me, ban- 
quetted me on milk and cream to my heart's content, admired my 
songs, and sang herself. The youngest was the knitter and seam- 
stress of the household, of sweet disposition, with a weak but 
kindly voice." [Of Mr. Wirt's acquaintance with a particular 
friend, while boarding at Mrs, Love's.] "Peggy Reeder was the 
only child of her parents, — about my own age, and very beautiful. 
We fell exceedingly in love with each other. She was accustomed 
to make long visits to her Aunt Love, and no two lovers, however 
romantic, were ever more happy than we. As for school, Mr, 
Dent was a most excellent man, a sincere Christian, and, I pre- 
sume, a good teacher — for I was too young to judge, and, in fact, 
much too young for a Latin school. In 1783 I was removed from 
Mr. Dent's school to that of the Rev, James Hunt, the Presby- 
terian minister in Montgomery County," [Turning from his 
Autobiography to the pages of the historian :] " At this school 
he remained till it was broken up in 1787 ; was instructed in the 
Latin and Greek classics. Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Surveying, 
and the first six books of Euclid. During the last two years of 
the time he boarded with Mr. Hunt." 

Mr, Wirt served as a private tutor a year and a half, studied 
law, was admitted to the Bar in 1792, commenced practice at 
Culpepper, Va,, and afterwards removed to Richmond. 

In 1816, he was appointed by President Madison United States 
Attorney for the District of Virginia; in 1817 was appointed 



WILLIAM WIRT. 57 1 

Attorney-General of tlie United States, and held the office until 
1829, after which he removed to Baltimore. 

He jDublished in 1803, in the Ric/unond Argus, " Letters of a 
British Spy," which were afterwards issued in book form, the 
tenth edition of which was issued by Harper & Brothers in 1841. 
In 1804, he commenced his "Life and Character of Patrick 
Henry,"' which after various difficulties was completed in 18 17. 

The following are extracts from "Letters of a British Spy," 
dated Richmond : 

" Richmond occupies a picturesque situation. . . . The town 
dispersed over hills, the river descending and obstructed by 
islands, trees and rocks, among which it tumbles and foams, con- 
stituting what are called the falls ; the same river at the lower 
end of the town, bending at right angles to the south, ... on the 
opposite side the town of Manchester, built on a hill, which, 
sloping to the river, opens the whole town to the view, interspersed 
as it is, with flourishing poplars, and surrounded to a great dis- 
tance by green plains and stately woods — all these objects, falling 
at once under the eye, constitute, by far, the most animated land- 
scape that I have ever seen. ... Adieu for the present." 

"Almost every day, some new evidence presents itself in sup- 
port of the Abbe Raynal's opinion, that this Continent was once 
covered by the Ocean, from which it has gradually emerged. . . . 
During the last spring, a gentleman in the neighborhood of 
Williamsburg, about sixty miles below this place, in digging a 
ditch on his farm, discovered, about four or five feet below the 
surface of the earth, a considerable portion of the skeleton of a 
whale. The spot on which this skeleton was found, lies about 
two miles from the nearest shore of James river, and fifty or sixty 
from the Atlantic Ocean. ... In digging wells, lately in this 
town, the teeth of sharks were found from sixty to ninety or a 
hundred feet below the surface of the earth. . . . From this place 
for eighty miles to the westward, the ascent of the country is very 
gradual; to, and even up the Blue Ridge, marine shells and other 
])henomena are found, which demonstrate that that country too 
has been visited by the Ocean. . . . Adieu, my dear S., for the 
present. May the light of Heaven continue to shine around you." 



5/2 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" You inquire into the state of your favorite art in Virginia. 
Eloquence, my dear S., has few successful votaries here. . . . 
What is the charm Ky which the orator binds the senses of his 
audience ; by which he attunes and touches and sweeps the 
human lyre, with the resistless sway and master hand of a 
'Timotheus ? Is not the whole mystery comprehended in one 
word, — Sympathy .? . . . If there be not something of this secret 
intercourse from spirit to spirit, how does it happen that one 
speaker shall gradually invade and benumb all the faculties of my 
soul as if I were handling a torpedo ; while another shall awaken 
and arouse me, like the clangor of the martial trumpet.'* . . . . 
On the subject of Virginia eloquence, you shall hear further from 
me. In the mean time, adieu, my S., my friend, my father." 

Mr. Wirt was married, first, to Mildred Oilman ; second, to 
Elizabeth Oamble, by whom he had children. 

He writes to his wife from Washington, November 13, 18 17 : 
"The die is cast, I have accepted the office. [United States 
Attorney-Oeneral.] .... I cannot yet say when I will return. I 
write this with flying fingers, having just returned from a consul- 
tation with the President, and finding the mail hour arriving. So, 
love and kisses to our blessed children ; and may Ood of his infi- 
nite mercy follow with his blessing what I have done for them in 
this decision. Your own 

" Wm. Wirt." 

To his daughter, Mrs. Laura Randall, he writes from Washing- 
ton, September 9, 1827 : "It would only afflict you to depict the 
desolation of the house since you left us. Your mother has not 
been down into company since, and every memorial of you puts 
her again into tears. Afy grief shows itself by keeping me con- 
tinually in a bad humor — fretting at everything without any 
adequate cause. We miss you at every turn .... the piano 
misses you. You have been remembered in our family prayers, 
this morning, my dear child, and we have united in calling down 
upon you the protection and choicest blessings of heaven. ... 

" Your affectionate father, 

" Wm. Wirt." 

He writes to Judge Carr from Richmond : " Now for Patrick 
Henry. I have delved on to my one hundred and seventh page ; 



WILLIAM WIRT. 573 

up-hill all the way, and heavy work. ... It is much the most 
oppressive literary enterprise that ever I embarked in, and I begin 
to apprehend that I shall never debark from it without ' rattling 
ropes and rending sails.' I write in a storm, and a worse tempest 
I fear will follow its publication." 

To the same from Baltimore, March 23, 1831 : "I have had 
such a winter as I never had before. Heavy cases to argue, with 
a broken heart and exhausted strength. . . . There is a better 
world of which I have thought too little. To that world she is 
gone, and thither my afYections have followed her. This was 
Heaven's design. I see and feel it as distinctly as if an angel 
had revealed it. . . . She was my companion, my librarian, my 
clerk. My papers now bear her endorsement. She pursued her 
studies in my office, by my side — sat with me, walked with me, 
never left me but to go and sit with her mother. We knew all 
her intelligence, all her fine and delicate sensibility. . . . She 
was all love, and loved all God's creation, even the animals, trees 
and plants. She loved her God and Saviour with an angel's 
love. . . ." 

The religious character of Mr. Wirt is further revealed in pas- 
sages from his writings, in the testimony of his biographer, and 
in the testimony of his daughter concerning his last illness. 

" I bought the other day," he says in a letter to his wife, — " a 
copy of Watts' Psalms and Hymns. Do you know that I never 
think of this man, without such emotions as no other human being 
ever inspires me with ? , . . . He was a rapt soul, and I never 
feel my own worthlessness half so forcibly as when I read his 
compositions and compare my spirit with his." 

In the season of affliction he writes : " I want only my blessed 
Saviour's assurance of pardon and acceptance to be at peace. I 
wish to find no rest short of rest in Him. I have no taste now 
for worldly business. I go to it reluctantly. I would keep com- 
pany only with my Saviour and the Holy Book. I dread the world, 
— the strife and contention and emulation of the Bar; yet I will 
do my duty — this is part of my religion." 

Says his biographer: "His favorite authors were Hooker, 
Baxter, Watts, Faber, Flavel, Robert Hall, Doddridge, and Jay. 
Of Baxter, he says, in a letter to his daughter : ' I took up the 



574 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

" Saint's Rest " lately, and found it like an old sandalwood box, as 
fresh and fragrant as if it had just been made, although it has 
been exhaling its odor for an hundred and eighty years.' He 
took great interest in the Missionary labors of the churches, in 
Sunday Schools, in the success of the Bible Societies, was himself 
President of the State Bible Society of Maryland." 

The following is an extract referring to Mr. Wirt's last Sunday, 
taken from a letter penned by his third daughter to her Aunt, from 
Washington February 22, 1837, and given in the Augusta [Ga.] 
Sentinel : " He whom we loved, and whom the Lord loved (pre- 
cious thought) was a picture of renovated health on the morning 
of Sunday, the 9th inst. On the previous evening, he had been 
preparing himself for an argument on the following Monday, in a 
very important case, and had been in the Capitol Library examin- 
ing authorities. Directly after breakfast, on Sunday, he assem- 
bled us as usual, in his chamber, for family prayers. . . . He 
prayed for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom ; for his 
children, present and absent ; for his enemies, if he had any ; for 
his friends ; and for those who had not yet been brought to know 
and love, and serve the Saviour." [He attended service at the 
Capitol, and remarked at its close to a gentleman near, concern- 
ing the preacher, " He is a great favorite of mine and goes 
straight to my heart." He went to his room, not feeling well, and 
did not again go out. In the course of his sickness he uttered, 
" Thy will, O God, thy holy will be done."] 

Says a contemporary : " If a mind stored with all the learning 
appropriate to the profession of the law ; if a spirit imbued with 
the sensibilities of a lofty patriotism ; if brilliant imagination, dis- 
cerning intellect and sound judgment, vivified with an elocution 
copious without redundance, and select without affectation ; — if 
all these, united with a sportive vein of humor, and an inoffensive 
temper, are the qualities suitable for an Attorney-General of the 
United States, — in him they were all eminently combined." 

He was remarked for his personal beauty, with strongly defined 
features, tall figure, ample chest, and erect carriage. As a 
speaker, he was graceful in gesture, and his voice was musical. 




/ 



JOHN WITIIHRSPOON. 

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, 1 776.* 

James Witherspoon, father of John, was minister of the parish 
of Yester, in Scotland, fourteen miles east of Edinburgh. "He 
was a worthy man, eminent not only for piety, but for literature, 
and for a habit of extreme accuracy in all his writings and dis- 
courses." His wife was a lineal descendant of John Knox, whose 
prayers Mary Queen of Scots considered more to be feared than 
an army ©f ten thousand men. 

John Witherspoon was born in the parish of Yester, Hadding- 
tonshire, Scotland, February 5, 1722 ; died near Princeton, N. J., 
September 15, 1794. 

He received his education at the University of Edinburgh, and 
was ordained pastor of the church at Eeith in the west of Scot- 
land. From Beith he accepted a call to Paisley, a town cele- 
brated for its manufactures. Here he labored in the work of the 
Lord with uncommon success. While at Paisley he received invi- 
tations from Dublin, Rotterdam and Dundee. These he declined, 
and also in the first instance the invitation of the Trustees of the 
College of New Jersey in America. On a second application lie 
accepted the Presidency of this institution. In his closing dis- 
course to the people of Paisley, he said: " Desire a faithful min- 
ister. You ought not to wish for one that will flatter you. Ac- 
cording to the excellent remark of Bishop Burnet : 'That is not 
the best sermon that makes the hearers go away talking to one 
another, and praising the speaker ; but that which makes them go 
away thoughtful, and serious, and hastening to be alone I ' The 

* " Witherspoon's Works," Ediiiburirh cditiDii, 1804 ; Sprague's "Annals" ; 
Boston Recorder ; Ilageman's '• History of Princeton" : Goodrich's " Lives of 
the Signers." 

575 



576 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

only further request I have to make to you is, that you would give 
to me, and my family, an interest in your prayers. Intreat of 
God that we may be preserved from perils and dangers, and car- 
ried to the place of our destination in safety : and that I may be 
assisted of Him in every future duty." The Boston Chronicle of 
May 9, 1768, gives the following item: "A passenger in the 
Captain Smith informs us that the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, chosen 
President of New Jersey College, had preached his farewell ser- 
mon to his congregation at Paisley, had sold off all his household 
furniture, and was soon to proceed for New York or Philadel- 
phia." 

Mr. Witherspoon was inaugurated President of New Jersey 
College, August 17, 1768, and on assuming his duties delivered an 
Inaugural Address in Latin on the theme, " Union of Piety and 
Science." He brought with him from Europe three hundred 
choice volumes as a donation to the college. In connection with 
his duties as President, he sustained the office of Pastor to the 
church and congregation of Princeton, preaching twice on the 
Sabbath and doing pastoral work. " In the third and fourth 
years of his Presidency, a remarkable revival of religion took 
place among his pupils, in which a considerable number, who sub- 
sequently occupied high places in both Church and State were 
supposed to have a share." 

At the commencement of the Revolution, he espoused the 
American cause. He was a member of the first Constitutional 
Convention of New Jersey in 1776 ; was a Signer of the Declara- 
tion of Independence ; was Delegate to the Continental Congress 
from 1776 to 1782, and signed the x^rticles of Confederation. 

On the morning of July 4, 1776, when the committee appointed 
to draft the Declaration of Independence made their report 
through their chairman, Thomas Jefferson, the House paused — 
hesitated. To sign that Instrument was to sever themselves from 
the mercy of Great Britain. At this crisis, Mr. Witherspoon 
arose and said : " There is a tide in the affairs of men. That 
Instrument upon your table should be subscribed this very morn- 
ing, by every pen in the House. Although these gray hairs must 
soon descend into the sepulchre, I would infinitely rather they 
should descend thither by the hand of the public executioner, 



JOHN WITHERSPOON. 577 

than desert at this crisis the sacred cause of my country." Pie 
took his seat ; and forthwith the Declaration was signed by every 
member present. 

During the seven years of his connection with Congress, he 
was seldom absent from his seat, and never allowed personal 
considerations to prevent his attention to official duties. His 
speeches were usually carefully composed and committed to mem- 
ory. On the Sabbath he occupied some pulpit as occasion called. 
A single defect in his oratory has been noted, " the lowness of 
his voice when he began." He afiirmed that the nature of his 
voice required this gradual increase of its volume, to prevent its 
failure altogether. 

On the surrender of the British Army to General Gates, at 
Saratoga, the messenger dispatched to convey the news to Con- 
gress proceeded so leisurely, that the intelligence reached Phila- 
delphia three days before his arrival. Congress as usual was 
about to bestow some mark of esteem upon the person bearing so 
important intelligence, and suggested the gift of an elegant sword. 
Mr. Witherspoon arose, and begged leave to amend the motion, 
by substituting for an elegant sword, a pair of golden spurs. 

During the war, the exercises of the college were, for a time, 
suspended, and the college edifice was occupied by troops. The 
President's statesmanship and patriotism gave new celebrity to 
the institution. His administration extended through twenty-six 
years, and during that period 469 men were graduated, of whom 
114 became ministers of the Gospel. 

Mr. Witherspoon published in 1753, " Ecclesiastical Character- 
istics, or the Arcana of Church Policy," aimed at certain principles 
and practices which then prevailed in the Church of Scotland, 
which passed to the fifth edition within ten years ; in 1756, " Essay 
on Justification;" in 1757, "Serious Inquiry into the Nature and 
Effects of the Stage." His entire Works containing Essays, Ser- 
mons, Lectures on Moral Philosophy, Eloquence and Divinity, 
Speeches in the American Congress, etc., were published in 
Edinbuii^h in nine volumes, i2mo, in 1804. The Philadelphia 
edition was published in three volumes, 8vo. 

The following are passages from a Fast Day Sermon preached 
at Princeton, May 17, 1776: "I would take the opportunity on 
37 



578 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

this occasion, and from this subject, to press every hearer to a 
sincere concern for his own soul's salvation. I do not blame 
your ardor in preparing for the resolute defence of your temporal 
rights ; but consider, I beseech you, the truly infinite importance 
of the salvation of your souls. Is your state on earth for a few 
fleeting years of so much moment ? And is it of less moment 
what shall be your state through endless ages? Have you 
assembled together willingly to hear what shall be said on public 
affairs, and to join in imploring the blessing of God on the coun- 
sels and arms of the United Colonies, and can you be uncon- 
cerned what shall become of you forever, when all the monuments 
of human greatness shall be laid in ashes. . . ." Again : " If 
your cause is just, you may look with confidence to the Lord, and 
intreat him to plead it as his own. You are all my witnesses, that 
this is the first time of my introducing any political subject into 
the pulpit. At this season, however, it is not only lawful but 
necessary, and I willingly embrace the opportunity of declaring my 
opinion, without any hesitation, that the cause in which America 
is now in arms, is the cause of justice, of liberty, and of human 
nature. . . . There is not a single instance in history, in which 
civil liberty was lost, and religious liberty preserved entire." 

A Discourse on " Religious Education of Children," preached in 
New York to a numerous audience on the evening of the second 
Sabbath in May, 1789, has the following : "Be early and diligent 
in instruction. . . . Let not the devil and the world be too far 
beforehand with you, in possessing their fancy, engaging their 
affections, and misleading their judgment. Is it a fable, or do I 
speak truth when I say, many children learn to swear before they 
learn to pray ? " 

" Serious Inquiry into the Nature and Effects of the Stage," has 
the following: [Speaking of recreations.] "Their excellence 
consists in their being, not only a pleasant, but an easy exer- 
cise of the intellectual powers. Now it is plain that dramatic rep- 
resentations fix the attention so deeply, and interest the affections 
so strongly, that, in a little time, they fatigue the mind. . . . There 
are many serious and useful occupations, in which men will con- 
.tinue longer, without exhausting the spirits, than in attending the 
theater, ... No man who has made the trial, can deliberately 



JOHN WlTirERSPOON. 57,^ 

and with a good conscience affirm, that attending plays has added 
strength to his mind and warmth to his afifections, in the duties of 
devotion ; that it has made him more able and willing to exert 
his intellectual powers in the graver and more important offices of 
the Christian life ; nay, or ever made him more diligent and active 
in the business of civil life." 

In a notice of Mr. Witherspoon that appeared in the Edinburgh 
Christian Instructor of October, 1829, this statement appears : 
" Few men were ever more anxious, by a solid, righteous and 
pious life, to adorn the doctrine of the Gospel. Beside the daily 
devotions of the closet and the family, he regularly set apart with 
his household the last day of every year, for fasting, humiliation, 
and prayer. He was also in the practice of spending days in 
secret exercises of this kind, as occasions required." 

Mr. Witherspoon was married in Scotland to Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Robert Montgomery, " a person of distinguished piety, 
amiable temper, and fine social and domestic habits." She was 
the mother of ten children, all of whom were born in Scotland ; 
only five of these, three sons and two daughters, survived to 
accompany their parents to America. James, the eldest son, grad- 
uated at Princeton College in the class of 1770, was Aid to Gen- 
eral Nash in the Revolution, and lost his life in the battle of 
Germantown. John, the second son, graduated in the class of 
1773, and practiced medicine in South Carolina. David, the 
youngest, graduated in 1774, and practiced law in Newberne, 
N. C. Anna was macried to Rev. Dr. Smith, the successor of Mr. 
Withersj)oon in the Presidency of the College. Frances was mar- 
ried to Dr. David Ramsay, the historian of South Carolina. She 
died in 181 r, and the memoirs of her life were published in a 
volume by her husband. Mrs. Witherspoon, wife of President 
Witherspoon, died in the autumn of 1789; and in eighteen months 
after, he married the widow of Dr. Dill, of Philadelphia, a lady 
forty-five years younger than himself. By this marriage he had 
two daughters. " It is a somewhat singular fact, that, previous to 
his marriage in Scotland, he addressed an intelligent and excel- 
lent young lady of Edinburgh, who rejected his proposals; and 
yet not only a warm friendship, but a most interesting correspon- 
dence, was kept up between them till the close of his life." 



58o AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RUIERS. 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon Mr. With- 
erspoon in 1764, by the University of Aberdeen ; and the degree 
of Doctor of Laws, in 1785, by Yale College. During his later 
years, he suffered pecuniary embarrassment, in consequence of 
imprudent purchases in Vermont lands. 



ROGER WOLCOTT. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1751-1754.* 

Henry Wolcott, grandfather of Roger, was born in 1578 ; 
resided in Tolland, Somersetshire, England ; held an estate worth 
five hundred pounds sterling per annum ; adopted the principles 
of the sect of the Independents ; visited America in 1628 ; re- 
turned to England, and in 1630 brought over his family and 
settled at Dorchester, Mass. Having sold the largest portion 
of his English estate, he undertook the settlement of Windsor, 
Conn. A company of about one hundred men, women, and 
children, gathered from Dorchester and other towns, made the 
journey through the wilderness to Windsor in the summer of 
1636, and "they prayed and sang as they marched along." 
Mr. Wolcott was delegate from Windsor to the first General 
Assembly held at Hartford in 1639, ^^^^ ^^'^^ annually elected to 
the assembly or the magistracy, till his death in 1655, He 
enjoyed the ministry of Rev. Mr. Warham, who came from Eng- 
land in 1630, and was the first pastor of Windsor. His wife was 
Elizabeth Saunders. Their eldest son, named Henry, succeeded 
to the principal part of the estate. 

Simon, youngest son of Henry Wolcott, senior, was a farmer in 
Windsor; married Martha Pitkin, "a lady of bright natural parts, 
and well improved by a good education in the city of London." 
They had a numerous issue. 

Roger Wolcott, youngest child of Simon and Martha, was born 
at Windsor, January 4, 1679; ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ Windsor, May 17, 
1767. 

* " New England Historical and Genealogical Register," vols. 4 and 26 ; 
Sprague's "Annals"; " Discourse," by Rev. Joseph Perry. 

5S. 



582 AMERICAN CIIRISTJAN RULERS. 

Concerning his educational advantages, Rev. Joseph Perry 
says : " Though he was of such an honorable extract, yet his par- 
ents being in an infant country, and a place destitute both of a 
minister and schoolmaster, and having had their estate ruined by 
the Indians, it can't be thought they were under advantage to 
give their children much of an education. ... I have heard him 
say he never was a member of a school a day in his life." 

At twelve years of age he was put out as an apprentice, serving 
until twenty-one. He then set up for himself, without patrimony 
worth mentioning, on the east side of the river, called now East 
Windsor. Here, "by the blessing of God on his frugality and 
industry, he acquired and left to his heirs a plentiful fortune for 
this country." 

"His neighbors and townsmen improved him in the business of 
the town, and at length elected him as their Representative at the 
General Assembly. He became member of the Council ; Judge 
of the Superior Court ; and was Governor of the Stale from 1751 
to 1754." 

Says Mr. Wolcott's pastor, in charge of Second Church in 
Windsor : " I am verily persuaded in a judgment of charity, that 
added to all his worldly greatness, he was truly a good man. He 
was not only free from all scandal through his whole life, but he 
exhibited the graces of the Christian temper. He was a member 
of this church for a great many years, a steady professor of the 
Christian name. He rendered to Caesar the things that are 
Cffisar's, and to God the things that are God's. He was one of 
your praying rulers ; had the grace as well as the gift of prayer." 

Mr. Wolcott married Sarah Drake, of Windsor, by whom he had 
fifteen children, sons and daughters. Oliver, the youngest, was a 
Brigadier-General during the war of the Revolution : member of 
the Continental Congress ; Signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence ; and Governor of Connecticut. He married Laura 
Collins, of Guilford, and had four children, two sons and two 
daughters. His son Oliver, in 1817 was elected Governor of 
Connecticut, the third of his family in lineal descent who attained 
that honor ; was re-elected ten years successively. He married 
Elizabeth, only daughter of John Stoughton, of Windsor, by whom 
he had several children. 



GEORGE WYLLIS. 

GOVERNOR OF CONNECTICUT, 1642.* 

George Wyllis was born in Fenny Compton, Warwick County, 
England, about 1570; died in Hartford, Conn., March 9, 1645. 

He was liberally educated, and held property at Knapton, 
worth ;^5oo a year. He espoused the cause of the Puritans, and 
in 1636 sent over William Gibbons, the steward of his house, with 
twenty men to prepare him a seat at Hartford. They purchased 
and took possession of a fine tract of land, and erected buildings. 
In 1638, he came over with his household. 

He was a Framer of the Constitution of 1639; ^^''^^ that year 
chosen into the Magistracy; in 1641 was chosen Deputy Gov- 
ernor ; and in 1642 w^as made Governor of the Colony. 

Samuel, son of Governor Wyllis, graduated at Harvard College 
in 1653, and the following year was chosen a Magistrate for Con- 
necticut. He married a daughter of Governor Haynes. *' In his 
manuscripts, he describes the excellent examples which their 
parents had exhibited, and the pious pains they employed in their 
education, teaching them, from childhood, to pray in secret, to 
venerate the Sabbath, and the Divine Word, and to nitcnd all 
Christian institutions and duties. After bearing testimony to the 
advantages of such an education, and to the comfort they had 
experienced in the duties in which they had been educated, he 
warmly recommends them to his children, and their posterity." 

The family is ancient, and may be traced back to the reign of 
Edward the Fourth. For more than a century and a half, it was 
represented in the government of Connecticut. 

* Trumbull's " History of Connecticut ; " Appleton. 
583 



GEORGE YEARDLEY. 

GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, 1619-1621.* 

George Yeardley, brother of Ralph Yeardley, a London 
apothecary, was born in England about 1580 ; died in Virginia, 
November, 1627. 

He made his first visit to the Virginia Colony in the year 1610, 
" as one of Lord Delaware's Captains," arriving in the Deliver- 
ance at Jamestown. 

He was appointed Governor of the Colony in 1618, and entered 
upon his duties in 1619. History records that "he was a good 
man, that his sympathies were supposed to be with the Puritan 
party." 

His appointment as Governor was noticed by Sir Philip 
Mainwaring, in a letter to the Earl of Arundel, dated November 
22, 1618 : " This morning the King knighted the new Governor 
of Virginia, Sir George Yeardley, who upon a long discourse with 
the King doth prove very understanding. Amongst many other 
things, he told the King that the people of that country do 
believe in the resurrection of the body, and that when the body 
dies, the soul goes into certain fair, pleasant fields, there to 
solace itself until the end of the world, and then the soul is to 
return to the body again, and live both together happily and per- 
petually. Hereupon the King inferred that the Gospel must 
have been heretofore known in that country, though it be lost and 
this fragment only remains." 

It was provided by the London Company that there should be 
an Annual General Assembly, to be composed of the Governor 
and Council, and two Burgesses from each plantation, to be freely 

* " Virginia Company of London," by Neill ; " Virginia Carolorum," by 
Neill. 

584 



GEORGE YEARDLEY. 585 

elected by (he inhabitants thereof. The first legislative assembly 
ever held within the limits of the United States, was convoked by 
Governor Yeardley, and met within the church at Jamestown 
July 30, 16 19, the proceedings being opened with prayer by Rev. 
Mr. Buck. On Monday, the second of August, several enact- 
ments were passed, among them the following : 

Against drunkenness : it was decreed that any person found 
drunk for the first time, was to be reproved privately, by the min- 
ister; the second time, publicly; the third time, to lie in boltes 
twelve hours, and pay a fine ; and if he still persisted, to be sub- 
jected to such severe punishment as the Governor and Council 
should deem proper. 

Against excessive apparel : that every man be assessed in the 
church in behalf of public contributions ; if he be unmarried, 
according to his own apparel ; if he be married, according to his 
own and his wife's, or either of their apparel. 

For laying a surer foundation for the conversion of the Indians 
to the Christian religion : it was ordered that each town, city, 
borough, and particular plantation, do obtain unto themselves by 
just means, a certain number of the natives' children, to be edu- 
cated by them, in true religion and a civil course of life ; of which 
children, the most towardly boys, in wit and graces of nature, to 
be brought up by them in the first elements of literature, so as to 
be fitted for the College intended for them, that from thence they 
may be sent to that work of conversion. 

The commission of Governor Yeardley expired in November, 
1 62 1. He declined its renewal, as he had so long a time 
attended wholly upon the public service. 

He was succeeded by Francis Wyatt, "well reputed of in 
respect of his parentage, good education, integrity of life, and fair 
fortunes." 

The father of Governor Wyatt died in September, 1625, and he 
asked permission to return to England, which was granted. 

George Yeardley was again commissioned, the paper bearing 
date March 4, 1626: "... Know ye, that we, . . . reposing 
assured trust and confidence in the understanding, care, fidelity, 
experience, and circumspection, of you, George Yeardley, . . . 



586 A ME RICA N CHRIS TIA N RUL ERS. 

have nominated and assigned, and by these presents do nominate 
and assign, you, ... to be the present Governor ... in Vir- 
ginia." Being in England at the time of his appointment, he 
sailed in the ship Ann^ and again assumed the duties of Governor. 

Mr. Yeardley had a faithful assistant in carrying on the moral 
affairs of the Colony, in the person of his friend and associate. 
Rev. Alexander Whitaker. He possessed a fair estate in Eng- 
land, and " did voluntarily leave his warm nest " to become a 
resident and worker in the Virginia Colony. 

Mr. Yeardley's residence in Jamestown was an inclosure of 
seven acres, bounded on the north by the river, and on the south 
by the residence of Capt. Roger Smith. 

" In the year 1620, a Dutch ship from Africa, touching at 
Jamestown, landed twenty negroes for sale, and thus commenced 
the system of slavery." Among the Virginia slaveholders, 
February, 1625, Sir George Yeardley is recorded as possessing 
five men and three women. 

Mr. Yeardley's will was made October 12, 1627 ; Abraham 
Peirsey, of the Council, William Claiborne, Secretary of the 
Colony, and Susanna Hall, a servant, being witnesses. To his 
wife. Temperance, he left his plate, linen, and all household stuff, 
and ordered his notes, debts, and " negars " to be sold, and the 
moneys therefrom to be divided into three parts ; one for 
Mrs. Yeardley, one for the elder son, ArgoU, and the third to be 
divided between his son Francis, and daughter Elizabeth. 



JOHN JOACHIM ZURLY. 

DELEGATE TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1775-* 

John Joachim Zubly was born in Switzerland in 1724, was 
ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1744; died in South Carolina, 
July 23, 1781. 

He was the first pastor of what is now known as the Indepen- 
dent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Georgia. To this church 
he preached in English ; to one neighboring congregation it seems 
he preached in German, and to another in French, l^he degree 
of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the College of 
New Jersey in 1770. 

At the commencement of the dispute between England and the 
American Colonies, Mr. Zubly took his stand in behalf of the 
latter. In the "London Magazine" for January, 1776, may be 
found an appeal over his signature in behalf of the Colonies, 
addressed to William, Earl of Dartmouth, Secretary of State for 
the American department. He writes : 

"Unhappily, during your administration, measures have been 
pursued very contrary to American hopes. ... It is to the man 
and the Christian, I wish to be permitted to address myself. . . . 
'To bind them in all cases whatsoever ' ; my Lord, — the Ameri- 
cans look upon this as the language of despotism in its almost 
perfection. What can, say they, an Emperor of Morocco pretend 
more of his slaves, than to bind them in all cases whatsoever? 
Were it meant to make the Americans hewers of wood and draw- 
ers of water, — were it meant to deprive them of the enjoyment of 
their religion, and to establish a hierarchy over them, similar to 

♦Spragiie's "Annals of American Pulpit"; "Historical Collections of 
Georgia," by Rev. George White; Force's "American Archives." 

5S7 



588 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

that of the Church of Rome in Canada, it would, say they, be 
no more than a natural consequence of binding them, unseen, 
unheard, unrepresented, in all cases whatsoever. My Lord, the 
Americans are no idiots, and they appear determined not to be 
slaves. . . . Your Lordship believes in a Supreme Ruler of the 
earth, and that the small and great must stand before Him at last 
— would your Lordship be willing, at the general meeting of all 
mankind, to take a place among those who destroyed or enslaved 
empires ; or risk your future state on the merit of having, at the 
expense of British blood and treasure, taken away the property, 
the life and liberty of the largest part of the British empire ? . . . 
The Americans have been called ' a rope of sand,' but blood and 
j^?«^ will make 2i Jinn cenientatmi; and enough American blood 
has been already shed, to cement them together into a thirteen- 
fold cord, not easily to be broken." 

Mr. Zubly was a member of the Provincial Congress of 
Georgia, serving on the most important committees, and was a 
Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775. Like others who 
favored the rights of the Colonies against the demands of the 
British Crown, — when the question of actual separation from 
England came up for action, he was found opposed to. extreme 
measures. Quitting his post at Philadelphia, he returned to 
Savannah. Here he was accused of treasonable correspondence, 
and to avoid the indignation of the people, he for some time lay 
concealed in the cellar of a Whig lady, Mrs. Smith, 

Mr. Zubly preaches before the Congress, according to the 
following Minutes : " At a Provincial Congress held agreeable to 
appointment at Toudee's Long Room, at Savannah, on the 4th 
day of July, 1775, and continued from day to day, the following 
persons were returned duly elected, etc. . . . Archibald Bullock 
was chosen President, and George Walton, Secretary. The Con- 
gress then adjourned to the Meeting-House of the Rev. Doctor 
Zubly, where he preached a sermon on the alarming state of 
American affairs." 

The following are passages from the Sermon mentioned, based 
upon the text : So speak ye and so do, as they that shall be 
Judged by the law oj liberty. James ii. 12. 



JO ifiY JO A criryr z ubl y. 5 Sq 

"The will, minds, tempers, dispositions, views and interests of 
men, are so very different, and sometimes so opposite, that without 
law, which cements and binds all, everything would be in endless 
disorder and confusion. . . . The law which the apostle speaks of 
in our text is not a law of man, but of Him who is the only lawgiver 
that can save and condemn, to whom all owe obedience, and whose 
laws none can transgress with impunity. ... It deserves very 
particular attention that the doctrine of the Gospel is called a law 
of liberty. Liberty and law are perfectly consistent. Liberty 
does not consist in living without all restraint ; for were all men 
to live without restraint, as they please, there would soon be no 
liberty at all. The strongest would be master, the weakest go to 
the wall ; right, justice, and property must give way to power. . . . 
Well regulated liberty of individuals is the natural offspring of 
laws, which prudently regulate the rights of whole communities; 
and as laws which take away the natural rights of men are unjust 
and oppressive, so all liberty which is not regulated by law is a 
delusive phantom, and unworthy of the glorious name. . . . The 
Creator of the natural world is also its moral ruler ; and if he is 
now the proprietor and riiler of intelligent beings, at sometime or 
other he must also be their Judge. . . . The self-righteous phar- 
isee will be rejected, notwithstanding his fair appearance and 
boasting; the penitent publican will be received, though he has 
nothing to plead, but, Lord have mercy on me a shiner. . , . 
This undoubtedly is a day of trouble ; but God saith to his people, 
Ca// upoti me in a day of trouble, and I will deliver thee. . . . 
Consider the extreme absurdity of struggling for civil liberty, and 
yet to continue slaves to sin and lust. Know ye not, to whom ye 
yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye 
obey, whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteous- 
ness? . . . Become the willing servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
... If the Son makes you free, then, and not till then, shall 
you be free indeed." 

In South Carolina, March 16, 1775, Mr. /.ubly assisted at the 
•ordination of Rev. Moses Allen, brother of Rev. Thomas Allen, 
first minister of Pittsfield, Mass. 

Two of the streets of Savannah, Joachim and Zuhly, still bear 
his name. 



590 AMERICAN CHRISTIAN RULERS. 

He was married November 12, 1746, to Ann Tobler. He left 
two daughters, whose descendants are among the most highly 
respected of the citizens of Georgia. David Zubl}', supposed to 
have been his son, graduated at New Jersey College in 1769; 
became a lawyer in Georgia ; and was a member of the Provincial 
Congress of that State from the district of Acton. 



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